Student Handbook High School

LLANO HIGH SCHOOL 2023 - 2024 PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK 2509 S. State Hwy 16 Llano, Texas 78643 (325) 248-2200 Table of Contents LLANO HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BELL SCHEDULES 2023 - 2024 ...................................... 1 PREFACE ....................................................................................................................................... 2 Accessibility................................................................................................................................ 3 SECTION ONE: PARENTAL RIGHTS ........................................................................................ 3 CONSENT, OPT-OUT, AND REFUSAL RIGHTS .................................................................. 3 Consent to Conduct a Psychological Evaluation .................................................................... 3 Consent to Provide Mental-Health Care Service .................................................................... 3 Consent to Display a Student’s Original Works and Personal Information ........................... 4 Consent to Receive Parenting and Paternity Awareness Instruction if Student is Under Age 14............................................................................................................................................. 4 Consent to Video or Audio Record a Student When Not Already Permitted by Law............ 4 Limiting Electronic Communications between Students and District Employees ................. 4 Objecting to the Release of Directory Information................................................................. 5 Objecting to the Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education .................................................................................................................... 6 Participation in Third-Party Survey ........................................................................................ 6 Consent Required Before Student Participation in a Federally Funded Survey ................. 6 “Opting Out” of Participation in Other Types of Surveys or Screenings and the Disclosure of Personal Information .................................................................................... 7 REMOVING A STUDENT FROM INSTRUCTION OR EXCUSING A STUDENT FROM A REQUIRED COMPONENT OF INSTRUCTION ..................................................................... 7 Reciting a Portion of the Declaration of Independence in Grades 3–12................................. 7 Reciting the Pledges to the U.S. and Texas Flags................................................................... 8 Religious or Moral Beliefs ...................................................................................................... 8 Tutoring or Test Preparation ................................................................................................... 8 RIGHT OF ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS, CURRICULUM MATERIALS, AND DISTRICT RECORDS/POLICIES ............................................................................................ 9 Parent Review of Instructional Materials ............................................................................... 9 District Review of Instructional Materials .............................................................................. 9 Notices of Certain Student Misconduct to Noncustodial Parent ............................................ 9 Participation in Federally Required, State-Mandated, and District Assessments ................... 9 Student Records .................................................................................................................... 10 Accessing Student Records ............................................................................................... 10 Authorized Inspection and Use of Student Records ......................................................... 10 Teacher and Staff Professional Qualifications ...................................................................... 13 A STUDENT WITH EXCEPTIONALITIES OR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES ................ 13 Children of Military Families ............................................................................................... 13 ii Parental Role in Certain Classroom and School Assignments ............................................. 14 Multiple Birth Siblings ..................................................................................................... 14 Safety Transfers/Assignments .......................................................................................... 14 Student Use of a Service/Assistance Animal ........................................................................ 14 A Student in the Conservatorship of the State (Foster Care) ................................................ 14 A Student Who Is Homeless ................................................................................................. 15 A Student Who Has Learning Difficulties or Who Need Special Education or Section 504 Services ................................................................................................................................. 16 Special Education Referrals .................................................................................................. 17 Contact Person for Special Education Referrals ................................................................... 17 Section 504 Referrals ............................................................................................................ 18 Contact Person for Section 504 Referrals ............................................................................. 18 Notification to Parent of Intervention Strategies for Learning Difficulties Provided to Students in General Education .............................................................................................. 18 A Student Who Receives Special Education Services with Other School-Aged Children in the Home ............................................................................................................................... 18 A Student Who Speaks a Primary Language Other than English ......................................... 19 A Student with Physical or Mental Impairments Protected under Section 504 .................... 19 SECTION TWO: OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS ....................................................................................................................................................... 19 ABSENCES / ATTENDANCE ................................................................................................ 19 Compulsory Attendance........................................................................................................ 20 Ages 6 - 18 ........................................................................................................................ 20 Age 19 and Older .............................................................................................................. 20 Compulsory Attendance — Exemptions .............................................................................. 20 All Grade Levels ............................................................................................................... 20 Secondary Grade Levels ................................................................................................... 21 Compulsory Attendance—Failure to Comply ...................................................................... 21 All Grade Levels ............................................................................................................... 21 Students with Disabilities ................................................................................................. 21 Ages 6-18 .......................................................................................................................... 22 Age 19 and Older .............................................................................................................. 22 Attendance for Credit or Final Grade ................................................................................... 22 Clock Hours .......................................................................................................................... 23 Official Attendance-Taking Time ......................................................................................... 23 Documentation after an Absence .......................................................................................... 23 Doctor’s Note after an Absence for Illness ........................................................................... 24 Certification of Absence Due to Severe Illness or Treatment .......................................... 24 Driver License Attendance Verification ............................................................................... 24 iii Medical Absences ................................................................................................................. 24 Late Arrival to School ........................................................................................................... 24 Excused – Documentation required ...................................................................................... 24 Truancy ................................................................................................................................. 25 Accountability Under State And Federal Law .......................................................................... 25 Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test (Grades 10–12) ......................................... 25 AWARDS AND HONORS ...................................................................................................... 25 BULLYING .............................................................................................................................. 26 CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) AND OTHER WORK-BASED PROGRAMS (Secondary Grade Levels Only)......................................................................... 28 Career & Technology Course Levels .................................................................................... 29 CELEBRATIONS..................................................................................................................... 30 Child Sexual Abuse, Trafficking, and Other Maltreatment of Children................................... 31 Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse ........................................................................................... 31 Warning Signs of Trafficking ............................................................................................... 31 Reporting and Responding to Sexual Abuse, Trafficking, and Other Maltreatment of Children................................................................................................................................. 32 Additional Resources on Sexual Abuse, Trafficking, and Other Maltreatment of Children 33 CLASS RANK / HIGHEST RANKING STUDENT ............................................................... 33 Valedictorian and Salutatorian .............................................................................................. 33 Class Rank / GPA Calculation .............................................................................................. 33 Transfer Students .............................................................................................................. 34 CLASS SCHEDULES .............................................................................................................. 34 Schedule Changes ................................................................................................................. 34 Dual Credit ............................................................................................................................ 34 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS AND FINANCIAL AID ............................ 35 COLLEGE CREDIT COURSES .............................................................................................. 36 COMMUNICATIONS ............................................................................................................. 36 Parent Contact Information ................................................................................................... 36 Automated Emergency Communications ............................................................................. 36 Automated Nonemergency Communications ....................................................................... 37 COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS ......................................................................................... 37 CONDUCT ............................................................................................................................... 37 Applicability of School Rules ............................................................................................... 37 Campus Behavior Coordinator ............................................................................................. 38 Deliveries .............................................................................................................................. 38 Disruptions of School Operations ......................................................................................... 38 Social Events ......................................................................................................................... 38 iv COUNSELING ......................................................................................................................... 38 Academic Counseling ........................................................................................................... 39 Personal Counseling.............................................................................................................. 39 COURSE CREDIT ................................................................................................................... 40 CREDIT BY EXAMINATION—If a Student Has Taken the Course/Subject ........................ 40 CREDIT BY EXAMINATION FOR ADVANCEMENT / ACCELERATION —If a Student Has Not Taken the Course/Subject ........................................................................................... 40 Students in Grades 6–12 ....................................................................................................... 41 DATING VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND RETALIATION ....... 41 Dating Violence .................................................................................................................... 41 Discrimination....................................................................................................................... 42 Harassment ............................................................................................................................ 42 Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Harassment ............................................................. 43 Retaliation ............................................................................................................................. 43 Reporting Procedures ............................................................................................................ 43 Investigation of Report ......................................................................................................... 44 DISCRIMINATION ................................................................................................................. 44 DISTANCE LEARNING ......................................................................................................... 45 Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN)............................................................................. 45 DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE, PUBLISHED MATERIALS OR OTHER DOCUMENTS .......................................................................................................................... 45 School Materials ................................................................................................................... 45 Nonschool Materials ............................................................................................................. 45 From Students ................................................................................................................... 45 From Others ...................................................................................................................... 46 DRESS AND GROOMING ..................................................................................................... 46 ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES .......................................... 49 Possession and Use of Personal Telecommunications Devices, Including Cell Phones, and Other Electronic Devices ...................................................................................................... 49 Instructional Use of Personal Telecommunications and Other Electronic Devices ............. 49 Acceptable Use of District Technology Resources .............................................................. 50 Unacceptable and Inappropriate Use of Technology Resources .......................................... 50 END-OF-COURSE (EOC) ASSESSMENTS .......................................................................... 50 EMERGENT BILINGUAL STUDENTS................................................................................. 50 EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS ......................... 51 UIL Eligibility and Advanced Courses ................................................................................. 51 Standards of Behavior ........................................................................................................... 52 Offices and Elections ............................................................................................................ 52 FEES ......................................................................................................................................... 52 v FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS ..................................................................................... 53 FUNDRAISING ....................................................................................................................... 53 GANG-FREE ZONES .............................................................................................................. 53 GENDER-BASED HARASSMENT ........................................................................................ 53 GRADE LEVEL CLASSIFICATION ...................................................................................... 53 GRADING GUIDELINES ....................................................................................................... 54 GRADUATION ........................................................................................................................ 54 Requirements for a Diploma ................................................................................................. 54 Testing Requirements for Graduation ................................................................................... 54 Foundation Graduation Program........................................................................................... 55 Credits Required ....................................................................................................................... 56 Available Endorsements ....................................................................................................... 57 Financial Aid Application Requirement ............................................................................... 57 Personal Graduation Plans .................................................................................................... 58 Available Course Options for all Graduation Programs ....................................................... 58 Certificates of Coursework Completion ............................................................................... 58 Early Graduation ................................................................................................................... 58 Students with Disabilities ..................................................................................................... 59 Graduation Activities ............................................................................................................ 59 Graduation Speakers ............................................................................................................. 60 Graduation Expenses ............................................................................................................ 60 Scholarships and Grants ........................................................................................................ 60 HARASSMENT ....................................................................................................................... 60 HAZING ................................................................................................................................... 60 HEALTH—Physical and Mental .............................................................................................. 61 Illness .................................................................................................................................... 61 IMMUNIZATION .................................................................................................................... 61 Lice ....................................................................................................................................... 62 MEDICINE AT SCHOOL ........................................................................................................ 63 Asthma and Severe Allergic Reactions..................................................................................... 63 Unassigned Epinephrine Auto-Injectors ................................................................................... 64 Unassigned Medication for Respiratory Distress ..................................................................... 64 Unassigned Opioid Antagonists ................................................................................................ 65 Steroids ..................................................................................................................................... 65 Mental Health Support .................................................................................................................. 65 Physical Activity Requirements ............................................................................................ 66 Temporary Restriction from Participation in Physical Education .................................... 66 Physical Fitness Assessment (Grades 3-12) ..................................................................... 66 vi PHYSICAL HEALTH SCREENINGS / EXAMINATIONS .................................................. 66 Athletics Participation ........................................................................................................... 66 Spinal Screening Program..................................................................................................... 67 Other Examinations and Screenings ..................................................................................... 67 Special Health Concerns ........................................................................................................... 67 Bacterial Meningitis .............................................................................................................. 67 Diabetes................................................................................................................................. 67 Food Allergies ....................................................................................................................... 67 Seizures ................................................................................................................................. 68 Tobacco and E-cigarettes Prohibited ................................................................................ 68 Health-Related Resources, Policies, and Procedures .................................................................... 68 Physical and Mental Health Resources ..................................................................................... 68 Policies and Procedures that Promote Student Physical and Mental Health ............................ 68 School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) ............................................................................ 69 Student Wellness Policy/Wellness Plan................................................................................ 69 HOMEWORK........................................................................................................................... 69 LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ...................................................................................... 70 Questioning of Students ........................................................................................................ 70 Students Taken into Custody ................................................................................................ 70 Notification of Law Violations ............................................................................................. 70 LEAVING CAMPUS ............................................................................................................... 71 During Lunch ........................................................................................................................ 72 At Any Other Time During the School Day ......................................................................... 72 LOST AND FOUND ................................................................................................................ 72 MAKEUP WORK .................................................................................................................... 72 Makeup Work Because of Absence ...................................................................................... 72 DAEP Makeup Work ............................................................................................................ 72 In-school Suspension (ISS) and Out-of-School-Suspension (OSS) Makeup Work ............. 73 Alternative Means to Receive Coursework ...................................................................... 73 Opportunity to Complete Courses .................................................................................... 73 NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT ................................................................................ 73 NONTRADITIONAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMS ................................................................. 74 PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT ............................................................................ 74 Working Together ................................................................................................................. 74 PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE AND A MINUTE OF SILENCE ............................................... 75 Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag .................................................................... 75 The Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag ......................................................................... 75 PRAYER ................................................................................................................................... 75 vii PROMOTION AND RETENTION .......................................................................................... 75 High School Grade Levels .................................................................................................... 76 Repeating a High School Credit Course ............................................................................... 76 RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL ........................................................................ 76 REPORT CARDS / PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENCES .................................... 76 RETALIATION ........................................................................................................................ 77 REQUIRED STATE ASSESSMENTS .................................................................................... 77 High School Courses—End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments ................................................ 77 Requesting Administration of STAAR/EOC in Paper Format (All Grade Levels) .............. 77 Standardized Testing for a Student in Special Programs ...................................................... 77 Failure to Perform Satisfactorily on a STAAR or EOC Assessment.................................... 78 SAFETY ................................................................................................................................... 78 Accident Insurance................................................................................................................ 78 Preparedness Drills: Evacuation, Severe Weather, and Other Emergencies ....................... 78 Preparedness Training: CPR and Stop the Bleed .................................................................. 79 Emergency Medical Treatment and Information .................................................................. 79 Emergency School-Closing Information .............................................................................. 79 SAT, ACT, AND OTHER STANDARDIZED TESTS ........................................................... 80 SCHOOL FACILITIES ............................................................................................................ 80 Asbestos Management Plan .................................................................................................. 80 Food and Nutrition Services ................................................................................................. 80 Charging Policy for Student Meals ................................................................................... 80 Vending Machines ............................................................................................................ 82 Pest Management Plan ...................................................................................................... 82 Conduct Before and After School ......................................................................................... 82 Library................................................................................................................................... 82 Use of Hallways During Class Time .................................................................................... 83 Use by Students Before and After School ............................................................................ 83 School Day Interruptions ...................................................................................................... 83 Meetings of Noncurriculum-Related Groups........................................................................ 84 SCHOOL-SPONSORED FIELD TRIPS .................................................................................. 84 SEARCHES .............................................................................................................................. 84 Searches in General............................................................................................................... 84 District Property .................................................................................................................... 85 Metal Detectors ..................................................................................................................... 85 Telecommunications and Other Electronic Devices ............................................................. 85 Trained Dogs ......................................................................................................................... 85 Drug-Testing ......................................................................................................................... 85 viii Vehicles on Campus ............................................................................................................. 86 SEXUAL HARASSMENT ....................................................................................................... 86 SPECIAL PROGRAMS ........................................................................................................... 86 STANDARDIZED TESTING .................................................................................................. 86 SAT/ACT (Scholastic Aptitude Test and American College Test) .................................. 86 Testing Information .............................................................................................................. 87 TSI (Texas Success Initiative) Assessment .......................................................................... 87 STUDENT SPEAKERS ........................................................................................................... 87 SUMMER SCHOOL ................................................................................................................ 87 TARDIES .................................................................................................................................. 88 TEXTBOOKS, ELECTRONIC TEXTBOOKS, TECHNOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS ............................................................................ 88 TRANSFERS ............................................................................................................................ 88 In school ................................................................................................................................ 88 Out of District ....................................................................................................................... 88 TRANSPORTATION ............................................................................................................... 89 School-Sponsored Trips ........................................................................................................ 89 Buses and Other School Vehicles ......................................................................................... 89 Private Automobiles.............................................................................................................. 90 Parking and Parking Permits ................................................................................................. 90 VANDALISM........................................................................................................................... 91 VIDEO CAMERAS .................................................................................................................. 91 VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL ................................................................................................ 92 General Visitors .................................................................................................................... 92 Unauthorized Persons ........................................................................................................... 92 Visitors Participating in Special Programs for Students ....................................................... 93 Business, Civic, and Youth Groups .................................................................................. 93 Career Day ........................................................................................................................ 93 VOLUNTEERS ........................................................................................................................ 93 VOTER REGISTRATION ....................................................................................................... 93 WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL ....................................................................................... 93 CHILD FIND ............................................................................................................................ 93 Glossary .................................................................................................................................... 96 Appendix: Freedom from Bullying Policy ............................................................................... 98 Student Welfare: Freedom from Bullying ............................................................................ 98 ix LLANO HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BELL SCHEDULES 2023 - 2024 School Opens 7:30 a.m. Classes Begin 8:00 a.m. School Closes 3:45 p.m. unless under teacher or sponsor supervision Classes End 3:30 p.m. Daily Class Schedule 2023-2024 Periods Warning Bell 1st Period 2nd Period 3rd Period Activity Period 4th Period 5th A Period 1st Lunch 2nd Lunch 5th B Period 6th period 7th Period 8th Period Times 7:55 8:00 – 8:45 8:49 – 9:34 9:38 – 10:25 10:25 – 10:55 10:59 – 11:44 11:48 – 12:33 11:44 – 12:14 12:33 – 1:03 12:18 – 1:03 1:07 – 1:52 1:56 – 2:41 2:45 – 3:30 Early Release Schedule 2023-2024 Periods Warning Bell 1st Period 2nd Period 3rd Period 4th Period 5th Period 6th Period 7th Period 8th Period Lunch Buses Leave Delayed Start Schedule 2023-2024 Times 7:55 8:00 – 8:26 8:30 – 8:56 9:00 – 9:26 9:30 – 9:56 10:00 – 10:26 10:30 – 10:56 11:00 – 11:26 11:30 – 11:56 12:00 – 12:30 12:30 Periods 1st Period 2nd Period 3rd Period 4th Period 5th A Period 1st Lunch 2nd Lunch 5th B Period 6th Period 7th Period 8th Period 1 Times 10:00 – 10:34 10:38 – 11:12 11:16 – 11:50 11:54 – 12:28 12:32 – 1:06 12:28 – 12:58 1:06 – 1:36 1:02 – 1:36 1:40 – 2:14 2:18 – 2:52 2:56 – 3:30 PREFACE Parents and Students: Welcome to the new school year! Education is a team effort, and students, parents, teachers, and other staff members working together can make this a successful year. The Llano High School Student Handbook is a general reference guide that is divided into two sections: Section One: Parental Rights will help you respond to school-related issues regarding curriculum and the school environment. Section Two: Other Important Information for Parents and Students is organized alphabetically. Where applicable, it is divided by age and/or grade level. Note: Unless otherwise noted, the term “parent” refers to the parent, legal guardian, any person granted some other type of lawful control of the student, or any other person who has agreed to assume school-related responsibility for a student. The Student Handbook is designed to align with law, board-adopted policy, and the Student Code of Conduct, a board-adopted document intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere for learning. The Student Handbook is not meant to be a complete statement of all policies, procedures, or rules in any given circumstance. In case of conflicts between board policy (including the Student Code of Conduct) and any Student Handbook provision, the district will follow board policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Therefore, parents and students should become familiar with the Llano ISD Student Code of Conduct. To review the Code of Conduct, visit the district’s website at LISD Code of Conduct. State law requires that the Code of Conduct be prominently displayed or made available for review at each campus. The Student Handbook is updated annually; however, policy adoption and revisions may occur throughout the year. The district encourages parents to stay informed of proposed policy changes by attending board meetings and reviewing newsletters and other communications explaining changes in policy or other rules that affect Student Handbook provisions. The district reserves the right to modify provisions of the Student Handbook at any time. Notice of revisions will be provided as is reasonably practical. Although the Student Handbook may refer to rights established through law or district policy, it does not create additional rights for parents and students. It does not, nor is it intended to, represent a contract between any parent or student and the district. A hard copy of either the Student Code of Conduct or Student Handbook can be requested at the main office of Llano High School. Note: References to policy codes are included for ease of reference. The hard copy of the district’s official policy manual is available for review in the district administration office and an unofficial electronic copy is available online at LISD Board Policy. 2 The policy manual includes: • • Legally referenced (LEGAL) policies that contain provisions from federal and state laws and regulations, case law, and other legal authorities that provide the legal framework for school districts. Board-adopted (LOCAL) policies that articulate the board’s choices and values regarding district practices. For questions about the material in this handbook, please contact the principal. [See Objecting to the Release of Directory Information and Consent Required Before Student Participation in a Federally Funded Survey, Analysis, or Evaluation for more information.] Accessibility If you have difficulty accessing the information in this document because of a disability, please contact the assistant superintendent at 325-247-4747. SECTION ONE: PARENTAL RIGHTS This section describes certain parental rights as specified in state or federal law. CONSENT, OPT-OUT, AND REFUSAL RIGHTS Consent to Conduct a Psychological Evaluation Unless required under a state or federal law, a district employee will not conduct a psychological examination, test, or treatment without obtaining written parental consent. Note: An evaluation may be legally required under special education rules or by the Texas Education agency for child abuse investigations and reports. Consent to Provide Mental-Health Care Service The district will not provide a mental health care service to a student or conduct a medical screening of a student as part of the district’s intervention procedures except as permitted by law. The district has established procedures for recommending to a parent an intervention for a student with early warning signs of mental health concerns, substance abuse, or suicide risk. The school counselors will notify the student’s parent within a reasonable amount of time after they learn that a student has displayed early warning signs and provide information about available counseling options. The district has also established procedures for staff to notify the counselors regarding a student who may need intervention. The school counselors can be reached at: 325-248-2200. 3 The school counselors can provide more information regarding these procedures as well as curriculum materials on identifying risk factors, accessing resources for treatment or support on and off campus, and accessing available student accommodations provided on campus. [See Mental Health Support.] Consent to Display a Student’s Original Works and Personal Information Teachers may display a student’s work in classrooms or elsewhere on campus as recognition of student achievement without seeking prior parental consent. These displays may include personally identifiable student information. Student work includes: • • • • • Artwork, Special projects, Photographs, Original videos or voice recordings and, Other original works. However, the district will seek parental consent before displaying a student’s work on the district’s website, a website affiliated or sponsored by the district (such as a campus or classroom website) or in district publications, which may include printed materials, videos, or other methods of mass communication. Consent to Receive Parenting and Paternity Awareness Instruction if Student is Under Age 14 A student under the age 14 must have parental permission to participate in the district’s parenting and paternity awareness program. This program was developed by the Office of the Texas Attorney General and the State Board of Education (SBOE) to be incorporated into health education classes. Consent to Video or Audio Record a Student When Not Already Permitted by Law State law permits the school to make a video or voice recording without parental permission when it: • • • • It is to be used for school safety, Relates to classroom instruction or a cocurricular or extracurricular activity, Relates to media coverage of the school, or Relates to the promotion of student safety as provided by law for a student receiving special education services in certain settings. In other circumstances, the district will seek written parental consent before making a video or voice recording of a student. Please note that parents and visitors to a classroom, both virtual and in person, may not record video or audio or take photographs or other still images without permission from the teacher or other school official. Limiting Electronic Communications between Students and District Employees The district permits teachers and other approved employees to use electronic communications with students within the scope of professional responsibilities, as described by district guidelines. 4 For example, a teacher may create a social networking page for his or her class to relay information regarding class work, homework, and tests. A parent is welcome to access such a page. However, text messages sent to an individual student are only allowed if a district employee with responsibility for an extracurricular activity must communicate with a student participating in that activity. The employee is required to include the student’s parent as a recipient on all text messages; and The employee is required to include his or her immediate supervisor and the student’s parent as recipients on all text messages; and The employee is required to send a copy of the text message to the employee’s district email address. A parent who does not want his or her child to receive one-to-one electronic communications from a district employee should contact the campus principal. Objecting to the Release of Directory Information The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, permits the district to disclose appropriately designated “directory information” from a student’s education records without written consent. “Directory information” is information that, if released, is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released. Examples include: • • • • • • A student’s photograph (for publication in the school yearbook); A student’s name and grade level (for communicating class and teacher assignments); The name, weight, and height of an athlete (for publication in a school athletic program); A list of student birthdays (for generating school wide or classroom recognition); A student’s name and photograph (posted on a district-approved and -managed social media platform); and The names and grade levels of students submitted by the district to a local newspaper or other community publication (to recognize the A/B honor roll for a specific grading period.) Directory information will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it. However, a parent or eligible student may object to the release of this information. Any objection must be made in writing to the principal within ten school days of the student’s first day of instruction for this school year. [See the Notice Regarding Directory Information and Parent’s Response Regarding Release of Student Information]. The district requests that families living in a shelter for survivors of family violence or trafficking notify district personnel that the student currently resides in such a shelter. Families may want to opt out of the release of directory information so that the district does not release any information that might reveal the location of such a shelter. 5 As allowed by state law, the district has identified two directory information lists—one for school-sponsored purposes and the second for all other requests. For district publications and announcements, the district has designated the following as directory information: • A student’s name, address, photograph, honors and awards received, and grade level. If a parent does not object to the use of your student’s information for these school-sponsored purposes, the school will not ask permission each time the district wants to use the information for these purposes. For all other purposes, the district has identified the following as directory information: • A student’s name, address, photograph, honors and awards received, and grade level. If a parent does not object to the use of the student’s information for these purposes, the school must release this information when requested by an outside entity or individual. Note: Also see Authorized Inspection and Use of Student Records. Objecting to the Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education Unless a parent has advised the district not to release his or her student’s information, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires the district to comply with requests by military recruiters or institutions of higher education to provide the following information about students: • • • Name, Address, and Telephone listing. Military recruiters may also have access to a student’s district-provided email address, unless a parent has advised the district not to release this information. See Parent’s Objection to the Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education. Participation in Third-Party Survey Consent Required Before Student Participation in a Federally Funded Survey The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) provides parents certain rights regarding participation in surveys, the collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. Llano ISD discourages the use of third-party surveys on its campuses. A parent has the right to consent before a student is required to submit to a survey funded by the U.S. Department of Education that concerns any of the following protected areas: • • • • • Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent; Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family; Sex behavior or attitudes; Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; Critical appraisals of individuals with whom the student has a close family relationship; 6 • • • Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, and ministers; Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or Income, except when the information is required by law and will be used to determine the student’s eligibility for a program. A parent may inspect the survey or other instrument and any corresponding instructional materials used in connection with such a survey. [For more information, see policy EF(LEGAL).] “Opting Out” of Participation in Other Types of Surveys or Screenings and the Disclosure of Personal Information The PPRA gives parents the right to receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of: • • Activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information gathered from the child for the purpose of marketing, selling, or otherwise disclosing that information to others. Any nonemergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student. Exceptions are hearing, vision, or spinal screenings, or any physical examination or screening permitted or required under state law. [See policies EF and FFAA for more information.] A parent may inspect: • • • Protected information surveys of students and surveys created by a third party; Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distributed purposes; and Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum. The ED provides extensive information about the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, including a PPRA Complaint Form. REMOVING A STUDENT FROM INSTRUCTION OR EXCUSING A STUDENT FROM A REQUIRED COMPONENT OF INSTRUCTION Reciting a Portion of the Declaration of Independence in Grades 3–12 State law designates the week of September 17 as Celebrate Freedom Week and requires all social studies classes to provide the following: • Instruction concerning the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, and • A specific recitation from the Declaration of Independence for students in grades 3–12. 7 Per state law, a student may be excused from recitation of a portion of the Declaration of Independence if any of the following apply: • • • A parent provides a written statement requesting that his or her child be excused, The district determines that the student has a conscientious objection to the recitation, or A parent is a representative of a foreign government to whom the U.S. government extends diplomatic immunity. [See policy EHBK(LEGAL) for more information.] Reciting the Pledges to the U.S. and Texas Flags A parent may request that his or her student be excused from participation in the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. The request must be made in writing. State law, however, requires that all students participate in one minute of silence following recitation of the pledges. [See Pledges of Allegiance and a Minute of Silence and policy EC(LEGAL) for more information.] Religious or Moral Beliefs A parent may remove his or her student temporarily from the classroom if a scheduled instructional activity conflicts with the parent’s religious or moral beliefs. The removal may not be used to avoid a test and may not extend for an entire semester. The student must also satisfy grade-level and graduation requirements as determined by the school and by state law. Tutoring or Test Preparation A teacher may determine that a student needs additional targeted assistance for the student to achieve mastery in state-developed essential knowledge and skills based on: • • • Informal observations, Evaluative data such as grades earned on assignments or tests, or Results from diagnostic assessments. The school will always attempt to provide tutoring and strategies for test-taking in ways that prevent removal from other instruction as much as possible. In accordance with state law and policy EC, districts must obtain parental permission before removing a student from a regularly scheduled class for remedial tutoring or test preparation for more than ten percent of the days the class is offered. If the district offers tutorial services to students, state law requires a student with a grade below 70 for a reporting period to attend. 8 [For questions about school-provided tutoring programs, contact the student’s teacher and see policies EC and EHBC. See Standardized Testing for information regarding required accelerated instruction after a student fails to perform satisfactorily on certain state-mandated tests.] RIGHT OF ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS, CURRICULUM MATERIALS, AND DISTRICT RECORDS/POLICIES Parent Review of Instructional Materials A parent has the right to review teaching materials, textbooks, and other teaching aids and instructional materials used in the curriculum, and to examine tests that have been administered, whether instruction is delivered in-person, virtually, or remotely. The district will make instructional materials available for parent review no later than 30 days before the school year begins and for at least 30 days after the school year ends. However, tests that have not yet been administered will not be made available for parent examination. The district will provide login credentials to each student’s parent for any learning management system or online learning portal used in instruction to facilitate parent access and review. A parent is also entitled to request that the school allow the student to take home instructional materials the student uses. The school may ask the student to return the materials at the beginning of the next school day. A school must provide printed versions of electronic instructional materials to a student if the student does not have reliable access to technology at home. District Review of Instructional Materials A parent may request that the district conduct an instructional material review in a math, English Language Arts, science, or social studies class in which the parent’s student is enrolled to determine alignment with state standards and the level of rigor for the grade level. The district is not required to conduct an instructional material review for a specific subject area or grade level at a specific campus more then once per school year. For more information about requesting an instructional material review, contact the campus principal. Notices of Certain Student Misconduct to Noncustodial Parent A noncustodial parent may request in writing that he or she be provided, for the remainder of the school year, a copy of any written notice usually provided to a parent related to his or her student’s misconduct that may involve placement in a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) or expulsion. [See the Student Code of Conduct and policy FO(LEGAL) for more information.] Participation in Federally Required, State-Mandated, and District Assessments In accordance with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a parent may request information regarding any federal, state, or district policy related to his or her student’s participation in required assessments. 9 Student Records Accessing Student Records A parent may review his or her student’s records. These records include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Attendance records, Test scores, Grades, Disciplinary records, Counseling records, Psychological records, Applications for admission, Health and immunization information, Other medical records, Teacher and counselor evaluations, Reports of behavioral patterns, Records relating to assistance provided for learning difficulties, including information collected regarding any intervention strategies used with your student, as the term “intervention strategy” is defined by law, State assessment instruments that have been administered to your student, and Teaching materials and tests used in your student’s classroom. Authorized Inspection and Use of Student Records The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, (FERPA) affords parents and eligible students certain rights regarding student education records. For purposes of student records, an “eligible” student is anyone age 18 or older or who attends a postsecondary educational institution. These rights, as discussed here and at Objecting to the Release of Directory Information, are the right to: • • • • Inspect and review student records within 45 days after the day the school receives a request for access; Request an amendment to a student record the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of FERPA; Provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information from the student’s records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent; and File a complaint (https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/file-a-complaint) with the U.S. Department of Education concerning failures by the school to comply with FERPA requirements. Both FERPA and state laws safeguard student records from unauthorized inspection or use and provide parents and eligible students certain rights of privacy. Before disclosing any personally identifiable information from a student’s records, the district must verify the identity of the person, including a parent or the student, requesting the information. 10 Virtually all information pertaining to student performance—including grades, test results, and disciplinary records—is considered confidential educational records. Inspection and release of student records is restricted to an eligible student or a student’s parent unless the school receives a copy of a court order terminating parental rights or the right to access a student’s education records. A parent’s rights regarding access to student records are not affected by the parent’s marital status. Federal law requires that control of the records goes to the student as soon as the student: • • • Reaches the age of 18, Is emancipated by a court, or Enrolls in a postsecondary educational institution. However, the parent may continue to have access to the records if the student is a dependent for tax purposes and, under limited circumstances, when there is a threat to the health and safety of the student or other individuals. FERPA permits the disclosure of personally identifiable information from a student’s education records without written consent of the parent or eligible student when school officials have what federal law refers to as a “legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records. • Legitimate educational interest may include: o Working with the student; o Considering disciplinary or academic actions, the student’s case, or an individualized education program for a student with disabilities; o Compiling statistical data; o Reviewing an educational record to fulfill the official’s professional responsibility; or o Investigating or evaluating programs. • School officials may include: o Board members and employees, such as the superintendent, administrators, and principals; o Teachers, school counselors, diagnosticians, and support staff (including district health or medical staff); o A person or company with whom the district has contracted or allowed to provide a specific institutional service or function (such as an attorney, consultant, third-party vendor that offers online programs or software, auditor, medical consultant, therapist, school resource officer, or volunteer); o A person appointed to serve on a school committee to support the district’s safe and supportive school program; o A parent or student serving on a school committee; or o A parent or student assisting a school official in the performance of his or her duties. FERPA also permits the disclosure of personally identifiable information without written consent: 11 • • • • • • • • To authorized representatives of various governmental agencies, including juvenile service providers, the U.S. Comptroller General’s office, the U.S. Attorney General’s office, the U.S. Secretary of Education, the Texas Education Agency, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s office, and Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworkers or, in certain cases, other child welfare representatives. To individuals or entities granted access in response to a subpoena or court order. To another school, district/system, or postsecondary education institution to which a student seeks or intends to enroll or in which a student is already enrolled. In connection with financial aid for which a student has applied or has received. To accrediting organizations to carry out accrediting functions. To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school to develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; administer student aid programs; or improve instruction. To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency. When the district discloses directory information-designated details [See Objecting to the Release of Directory Information to prohibit this disclosure,]. Release of personally identifiable information to any other person or agency—such as a prospective employer or for a scholarship application—will occur only with parental or student permission as appropriate. The principal is custodian of all records for currently enrolled students at the assigned school. The principal is the custodian of all records for students who have withdrawn or graduated. A parent or eligible student who wishes to inspect the student’s records should submit a written request to the records custodian identifying the records he or she wants to inspect. Records may be reviewed in person during regular school hours. The records custodian or designee will be available to explain the record and to answer questions. A parent or eligible student who provides a written request and pays copying costs of ten cents per page may obtain copies. If circumstances prevent inspection during regular school hours and the student qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, the district will either provide a copy of the records requested or make other arrangements for the parent or student to review these records. You may contact the custodian of records for currently enrolled students at: 325-248-2200. You may contact the custodian of records for students who have withdrawn or graduated at: 325248-2200. A parent or eligible student may inspect the student’s records and request a correction or amendment if the records are considered inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. A request to correct a student’s record should be submitted to the appropriate custodian of records. The request must clearly identify the part of the record that should be corrected and include an explanation of how the information in the record is inaccurate. If the district denies the request to amend the records, the parent or eligible student has the right to request a hearing. If after the hearing the records are not amended, the parent or eligible student has 30 school days to place a statement in the student’s record. Although improperly recorded grades may be challenged, contesting a student’s grade in a course or on an examination is handled through the general complaint process found in policy 12 FNG(LOCAL). A grade issued by a classroom teacher can be changed only if the board of trustees determines that the grade is arbitrary, erroneous, or inconsistent with the district’s grading guidelines. [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences, Complaints and Concerns and Finality of Grades at policy FNG(LEGAL).] The district’s student records policy is found at policy FL(LEGAL) and (LOCAL) and is available from the principal’s or superintendent’s office or on the district’s website at: FL (LOCAL). Note: The parent’s or eligible student’s right of access to and copies of student records does not extend to all records. Materials that are not considered educational records—such as a teacher’s personal notes about a student that are shared only with a substitute teacher—do not have to be made available. Teacher and Staff Professional Qualifications A parent may request information regarding the professional qualifications of your student’s teachers, including whether a teacher: • • • Has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction, Has an emergency permit or other provisional status for which state requirements have been waived, and Is currently teaching in the field of discipline of his or her certification. The parent also has the right to request information about the qualifications of any paraprofessional who may provide services to the student. A STUDENT WITH EXCEPTIONALITIES OR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES Children of Military Families The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children entitles children of military families to flexibility regarding certain district and state requirements, including: • • • • • Immunization requirements; Grade level, course, or educational program placement; Eligibility requirements for participation in extracurricular activities; Enrollment in the Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN); and Graduation requirements. The district will excuse absences related to a student visiting a parent, including a stepparent or legal guardian, who is: • • • Called to active duty, On leave, or Returning from a deployment of at least four months. The district will permit no more than five excused absences per year for this purpose. For the absence to be excused, the absence must occur no earlier than the 60th day before deployment or no later than the 30th day after the parent’s return from deployment. 13 Additional information may be found at: Military Family Resources at the Texas Education Agency. Parental Role in Certain Classroom and School Assignments Multiple Birth Siblings State law permits a parent of multiple-birth siblings (for example, twins, triplets) assigned to the same grade and campus to request in writing that the children be placed either in the same classroom or separate classrooms. Written requests must be submitted by the 14th day after the students’ enrollment. [See policy FDB(LEGAL) for more information.] Safety Transfers/Assignments The board or its designee will honor a parent’s request to transfer his or her child to another classroom or campus if the district has determined that the child has been a victim of bullying, including cyberbullying, as defined by Education Code 37.0832. The board may transfer a student who has engaged in bullying to another classroom. Transportation is not provided for a transfer to another campus. See the superintendent for more information. [See Bullying and policies FDB and FFI for more information.] The district will honor a parent’s request for the transfer of his or her child to a safe public school in the district if the child attends a school identified by Texas Education Agency as persistently dangerous or if the student has been a victim of a violent criminal offense while at school or on school grounds. [See policy FDE for more information.] The board will honor a parent’s request for the transfer of his or her child to a neighboring district if the child has been the victim of sexual assault by another student assigned to the same campus, whether the assault occurred on or off campus, and that student has been convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for that assault. In accordance with policy FDE, if the victim does not wish to transfer, the district will transfer the assailant. Student Use of a Service/Assistance Animal A parent of a student who uses a service/assistance animal because of the student’s disability must submit a written request to the principal before bringing the service/assistance animal on campus. The district will try to accommodate a request as soon as possible but will do so within ten district business days. A Student in the Conservatorship of the State (Foster Care) In an effort to provide educational stability, the district will provide enrollment and registration assistance, as well as other educational services throughout the student’s enrollment, to any student who is currently placed or newly placed in foster care (temporary or permanent custody of the state, sometimes referred to as substitute care.) A student in the conservatorship (custody) of the state and who enrolls in the district after the beginning of the school year will be allowed credit-by-examination opportunities at any point during the year. 14 The district will assess the student’s available records to determine transfer of credit for subjects and courses taken before the student’s enrollment in the district. The district will award partial course credit by when the student only passes one half of a twohalf course. [For provisions on partial credit for students who are in the conservatorship of the state, see EI(LOCAL).] A student in the conservatorship of the state who is moved outside of the district’s or school’s attendance boundaries—or who is initially placed in the conservatorship of the state and who is moved outside the district’s or school’s boundaries—is entitled to remain at the school the student was attending prior to the placement or move until the student reaches the highest grade level at that particular school. If a student in grade 11 or 12 transfers to another district but does not meet the graduation requirements of the receiving district, the student can request a diploma from the previous district if the student meets its graduation criteria. For a student in the conservatorship of the state who is eligible for a tuition and fee exemption under state law and likely to be in care on the day preceding the student’s 18th birthday, the district will: • • • • • Assist the student with the completion of any applications for admission or financial aid; Arrange and accompany the student on campus visits; Assist in researching and applying for private or institution-sponsored scholarships; Identify whether the student is a candidate for appointment to a military academy; Assist the student in registering and preparing for college entrance examinations, including (subject to the availability of funds) arranging for the payment of examination fees by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS); and • Coordinate contact between the student and a liaison officer for students formerly in the conservatorship of the state. If you have questions, please contact the district’s foster care liaison: Assistant Superintendent [See Credit by Examination for Advancement/Acceleration and Course Credit.] A Student Who Is Homeless A parent is encouraged to inform the district if his or her child is experiencing homelessness. District staff can share resources that may be able to assist families. A student who is homeless will be provided flexibility regarding certain district provisions, including: • Proof of residency requirements; • Immunization requirements; • Educational program placement (if the student is unable to provide previous academic records or misses an application deadline during a period of homelessness); 15 • • • • • Credit-by-examination opportunities at any point during the year (if the student enrolled in the district after the beginning of the school year), per State Board of Education (SBOE) rules; Assessment of the student’s available records to determine transfer of credits for subjects and courses taken before the student’s enrollment in the district; Awarding partial credit when a student passes only one half of a two-half course; Eligibility requirements for participation in extracurricular activities; and Graduation requirements. Federal law also allows a student who is homeless to remain enrolled in the “school of origin” or to enroll in a new school in the attendance area where the student is currently residing. If a student who is homeless in grade 11 or 12 transfers to another district but does not meet the graduation requirements of the receiving district, state law allows the student to request a diploma from the previous district if the student meets the criteria to graduate from the previous district. A student or parent who is dissatisfied by the district’s eligibility, school selection, or enrollment decision may appeal through policy FNG(LOCAL). The district will expedite local timelines, when possible, for prompt dispute resolution. For more information on services for students who are homeless, contact the district’s homeless education liaison: Assistant Superintendent. [See also Credit by Examination for Advancement/Acceleration, Course Credit, and Students who are Homeless.] A Student Who Has Learning Difficulties or Who Need Special Education or Section 504 Services For those students who are having difficulty in the regular classroom, all school districts must consider tutorial, compensatory, and other academic or behavior support services that are available to all students, including a process based on Response to Intervention (RtI). The implementation of RtI has the potential to have a positive impact on the ability of districts to meet the needs of all struggling students. If a student is experiencing learning difficulties, his or her parent may contact the individuals listed below to learn about the school’s overall general education referral or screening system for support services. This system links students to a variety of support options, including making a referral for a special education evaluation or for a Section 504 evaluation to determine whether the student needs specific aids, accommodations, or services. A parent may request an evaluation for special education or Section 504 services at any time. 16 Special Education Referrals If a parent makes a written request for an initial evaluation for special education services to the director of special education services or to a district administrative employee of the school district, the district must respond no later than 15 school days after receiving the request. At that time, the district must give the parent prior written notice of whether it agrees or refuses to evaluate the student, along with a copy of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards. If the district agrees to evaluate the student, it must also give the parent the opportunity to give written consent for the evaluation. Note: A request for a special education evaluation may be made verbally; it does not need to be made in writing. Districts must still comply with all federal prior-written notices and procedural safeguard requirements as well as the requirements for identifying, locating, and evaluating children who are suspected of having a disability and in need of special education. However, a verbal request does not require the district to respond within the 15 school-day timeline. If the district decides to evaluate the student, it must complete the student’s initial evaluation and evaluation report no later than 45 school days from the day it receives a parent’s written consent. However, if the student is absent from school during the evaluation period for three or more school days, the evaluation period will be extended by the number of school days equal to the number of school days that the student is absent. There is an exception to the 45-school-day timeline. If the district receives a parent’s consent for the initial evaluation at least 35 but less than 45 school days before the last instructional day of the school year, it must complete the written report and provide a copy of the report to the parent by June 30 of that year. However, if the student is absent from school for three or more days during the evaluation period, the June 30 due date no longer applies. Instead, the general timeline of 45 school days plus extensions for absences of three or more days will apply. Upon completing the evaluation, the district must give the parent a copy of the evaluation report at no cost. Additional information regarding special education is available from the school district in a companion document titled Parent’s Guide to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Process. Contact Person for Special Education Referrals The designated contact person regarding options for a student experiencing learning difficulties or regarding a referral for evaluation for special education services is the Director of Student Services, 325-247-3790. [See Child Find.] For questions regarding post-secondary transitions, including the transition from education to employment, for students receiving special education services, contact the district’s transition and employment designee: Transition Coordinator/Diagnostician; 325-248-2200. 17 Section 504 Referrals Each school district must have standards and procedures in place for the evaluation and placement of students in the district’s Section 504 program. Districts must also implement a system of procedural safeguards that includes: • • • • Notice; An opportunity for a parent or guardian to examine relevant records; An impartial hearing with an opportunity for participation by the parent or guardian and representation by counsel; and A review procedure. Contact Person for Section 504 Referrals The designated person to contact regarding options for a student experiencing learning difficulties or regarding a referral for evaluation for Section 504 services is the Director of Student Services, 325-247-3790. [See Child Find.] [See A Student with Physical or Mental Impairments Protected under Section 504.] Visit these websites for information regarding students with disabilities and the family: • • • • Legal Framework for the Child-Centered Special Education Process Partners Resource Network Special Education Information Center Texas Project First Notification to Parent of Intervention Strategies for Learning Difficulties Provided to Students in General Education In accordance with state law, the district will annually notify parents if their child receives assistance for learning difficulties. Details of such assistance can include intervention strategies. This notice is not intended for those students already enrolled in a special education program. A Student Who Receives Special Education Services with Other School-Aged Children in the Home If a student is receiving special education services at a campus outside his or her attendance zone, state law permits the parent or guardian to request that other students residing in the household be transferred to the same campus—if the grade level for the transferring student is offered on that campus. The student receiving special education services would be entitled to transportation; however, the district is not required to provide transportation to the other children in the household. The parent or guardian should contact the school principal regarding transportation needs prior to requesting a transfer for any other children in the home. [See policy FDB(LOCAL) for more information.] 18 A Student Who Speaks a Primary Language Other than English A student may be eligible to receive specialized support if his or her primary language is not English, and the student has difficulty performing ordinary class work in English. If the student qualifies for these services, the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) will determine the types of services the student needs, including accommodations or modifications related to classroom instruction, local assessments, and state-mandated assessments. [See Emergent Bilingual Students and Special Programs.] A Student with Physical or Mental Impairments Protected under Section 504 A student with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, as defined by law—and who does not otherwise qualify for special education services—may qualify for protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Section 504 is a federal law designed to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities. When an evaluation is requested, a committee will be formed to determine whether the student needs services and supports under Section 504 in order to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE), as this is defined in federal law. [See A Student Who Has Learning Difficulties or Who Need Special Education or Section 504 Services and policy FB for more information.] SECTION TWO: OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS This section contains important information on academics, school activities, and school operations and requirements. It is organized alphabetically to serve as a quick-reference guide. Where applicable, the topics are also organized by grade level. Parents and students should take a moment to become familiar with the issues addressed in this section. For guidance on a specific topic, please contact the principal at (325) 248-2200. ABSENCES / ATTENDANCE Regular school attendance is essential. Absences from class may result in serious disruption of a student’s education. The student and parent should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences. Two important state laws are discussed below — one dealing with compulsory attendance and the other with how attendance affects the award of a student’s final grade or course credit. 19 Compulsory Attendance Ages 6 - 18 State law requires that a student who is at least six years of age, or who is younger than six years of age and has previously been enrolled in first grade, and who has not yet reached their 19th birthday, shall attend school, as well as any applicable accelerated instruction program, extended-year program, or tutorial session, unless the student is otherwise excused from attendance or legally exempt. State law requires a student in kindergarten-grade 2 to attend any assigned accelerated reading instruction program. Parents will be notified in writing if their child is assigned to an accelerated reading instruction program based on a diagnostic reading instrument. A student will be required to attend any assigned accelerated instruction program before or after school or during the summer if the student does not meet the passing standards on an applicable subject area state assessment. Age 19 and Older A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his or her 19th birthday is required to attend each school day until the end of the school year. If the student incurs more than five unexcused absences in a semester, the district may revoke the student’s enrollment. The student’s presence on school property thereafter would be unauthorized and may be considered trespassing. [See policy FEA for more information.] Compulsory Attendance — Exemptions All Grade Levels State law allows exemptions to the compulsory attendance requirements for the following activities and events, as long as the student makes up all work: ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Religious holy days Required court appearances Appearing at a governmental office to obtain U.S. citizenship Taking part in a US naturalization oath ceremony Serving as an election clerk Health-care appointments for the student or a child of the student, including absences related to autism services Absences resulting from a serious or life-threatening illness or related treatment that makes a student’s attendance infeasible, with certification by a physician; For students in the conservatorship of the state: • An activity required under a court-ordered service plan; or • Any other court-ordered activity, provided it is not practicable to schedule the student’s participation in the activity outside of school hours. For children of military families, absences of up to five days will be excused for a student to visit a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian going to, on leave from, or returning from certain deployments. [See Children of Military Families.] 20 Note that documented health-care appointments may include telehealth appointments. Students who are physically on campus will not be allowed to participate in telehealth or other online appointments without specific authorization from an appropriate administrator. Students should not use district-issued technology, including Wi-Fi or internet, for telehealth appointments because use of district-owned equipment and its network systems is not private and may be monitored by the district. For more information, see Telecommunication and Other Electronic Devices. Secondary Grade Levels The district will allow junior and senior students to be absent for up to two days per year to visit a college or university, if the following conditions are met • • • The board has authorized such excused absences under policy FEA(LOCAL); The principal has approved the student’s absence: and The student follows the campus procedures to verify the visit and makes up any work missed. The district will allow a student 17 years old or older to be absent for up to four days during the period the student is enrolled in high school to pursue enlistment in the U.S. armed services or Texas National Guard, provided the student verifies these activities to the district. The district will allow a student to be absent for up to two days during the student’s junior year and two days during the student’s senior year for a career investigation day to visit a professional at that individual’s workplace to determine the student’s interest in pursuing a career in the professional’s field, provided the student verifies these activities to the district. The district will allow a student to be absent for up to two days per school year to serve as: • • An early voting clerk, provided the district’s board has authorized this in policy FEA(LOCAL), the student notifies his or her teachers, and the student receives approval from the principal prior to the absences; or An election clerk if the student makes up any work missed. The district will allow a student in grades 6—12 to be absent for the purpose of sounding “Taps” at a military funeral for a deceased veteran. Compulsory Attendance—Failure to Comply All Grade Levels School employees must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law. A student who is absent without permission from school, any class, any required special program, or any required tutorial will be considered in violation of the compulsory attendance law and subject to disciplinary action. Students with Disabilities If a student with a disability is experiencing attendance issues, the student’s ARD or Section 504 committee will determine whether the attendance issues warrant an evaluation, a reevaluation, and/or modifications to the student's individualized education program or Section 504 plan, as appropriate. 21 Ages 6-18 When a student ages 6—18 incurs three or more unexcused absences within a four-week period, the law requires the school to send notice to the parent. The notice will: • • • Remind the parent of his or her duty to monitor the student’s attendance and to require the student to attend school; Request a conference between school administrators and the parent; and Inform the parent that the district will initiate truancy prevention measures, including a behavior improvement plan, school-based community service, referrals to counseling or other social services, or other appropriate measures. The truancy prevention facilitator for the campus is Campus Administration; 325-248-2210. For any questions about student absences, parents should contact a campus administrator. A court of law may also impose penalties against the parent if a school-aged student is deliberately not attending school. The district may file a complaint against the parent if the student incurs ten or more unexcused absences within a six-month period in the same school year. If a student age 12-18 incurs ten or more unexcused absences within a six-month period in the same school year, the district, in most circumstances, will refer the student to truancy court. If a student is referred to truancy court, parent notes for absences may no longer be accepted as an excuse for subsequent absences. [See policy FEA(LEGAL)and FED(LEGAL) for more information.] Age 19 and Older After a student age 19 or older incurs a third unexcused absence, the district is required by law to send the student a letter explaining that the district may revoke the student’s enrollment for the remainder of the school year if the student has more than five unexcused absences in a semester. As an alternative to revoking a student’s enrollment, the district may implement a behavior improvement plan. Attendance for Credit or Final Grade To receive credit or a final grade in a class, a student must attend the class at least 90 percent of the days it is offered. A student who attends at least 75 percent but fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered may receive credit or a final grade for the class if he or she completes a plan, approved by the principal, that allows the student to fulfill the class’s instructional requirements. If a student is involved in a criminal or juvenile court proceeding, the judge presiding over the case must approve the plan before the student receives credit or a final grade. If a student attends fewer than 75 percent of the class days or does not complete the principalapproved plan, then the attendance review committee will determine whether there are extenuating circumstances for the absences and how the student can regain credit or a final grade. [See policy FEC for more information.] With the exception of absences due to life-threatening illness or related treatment, all absences, excused or unexcused, may be held against a student’s attendance requirement. To determine 22 whether there were extenuating circumstances for any absences, the attendance committee will consider: • • • • Whether the student has mastered the essential knowledge and skills, and maintained passing grades in the course or subject. Whether the student has completed makeup work satisfactorily. If the student completes makeup work, absences listed under Compulsory Attendance—Exemptions and absences for extracurricular activities will be considered extenuating circumstances. Whether the student or student’s parent had any control over the absences. Any information presented by the student or parent to the committee about the absences. The student or parent may appeal the committee’s decision to the board by following policy FNG(LOCAL). Clock Hours Clock hours have been established so that a student can make up lost credit hours due to excessive absences. Excessive absences are defined as absences above 8 absences per class period. Beginning with and counting the 9th absence per class, a student must serve clock hours for every class missed to regain credit. Clock hours are calculated per semester, so each semester is independent for serving clock hours and receiving credit. As per State Law, both EXCUSED and UNEXCUSED absences are counted when determining clock hours. Under extenuating circumstances such as; chronic/severe illness or hospitalization of a student, the district has the option of waiving all or a portion of the clock hours incurred by a student. The parent is responsible for contacting the school to request reduction or waiver of clock hours. Seniors who have accumulated clock hours may not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. [See Graduation Activities] Official Attendance-Taking Time The district will take official attendance every day at 10:00 a.m. A student absent for any portion of the day should follow the procedures below to provide documentation of the absence. Documentation after an Absence A parent must provide an explanation for any absence upon the student’s arrival or return to school. The student must submit a note signed by the parent. The campus may accept a phone call from the parent but reserves the right to require a written note. A note signed by the student will not be accepted unless the student is 18 or older or is an emancipated minor under state law. The campus will document in its attendance records whether the absence is excused or unexcused. Note: The district is not required to excuse any absence, even if the parent provides a note explaining the absence, unless the absence is an exemption under compulsory attendance laws. 23 Doctor’s Note after an Absence for Illness Within 2 days of returning to school, a student absent for more than 5 consecutive days because of a personal illness must bring a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the absence. Otherwise, the absence may be considered unexcused and in violation of compulsory attendance laws. Should the student develop a questionable pattern of absences, the principal or attendance committee may require a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the absence to determine whether an absence will be excused or unexcused. Certification of Absence Due to Severe Illness or Treatment If a student is absent because of a serious or life-threatening illness or related treatment that makes a student’s attendance infeasible, a parent must provide certification from a physician licensed to practice in Texas specifying the student’s illness and the anticipated period of absence related to the illness or treatment. Driver License Attendance Verification A currently enrolled student seeking a driver’s license shall submit a Texas Department of Public Safety Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form (VOE), signed by the parent, to the campus central office at least 10 days before it is needed. The district will issue a VOE only if the student meets class credit or attendance requirements. The VOE form is available at the front office or; https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/driver/forms/VOE.pdf. More information may be found on the Texas Department of Public Safety website: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license. See Compulsory Attendance—Exemptions for Secondary for information on excused absences for obtaining a learner or driver’s license. Medical Absences For an absence to qualify as medical, the student must be in class for at least 15 minutes or return to a class for at least 15 minutes on the same day of the doctor’s appointment. The appointment must be supported by documentation such as a note from the health care professional. Each medical absence must be verified by a note for each day. Late Arrival to School A student who is tardy to class by more than 10 minutes for 50 minute classes and by more than 15 minutes for 90 minute classes will be considered absent. Repeated instances of tardiness will result in disciplinary action. [See Attendance for Credit or Final Grade] Excused – Documentation required Personal illness – After a student has accumulated ten (10) absences, which have been excused by parent notes, documentation from a health care professional WILL be required for additional absences above ten (10). Note: A single note from a health care professional will suffice in the case of a chronic illness or serious medical condition. 24 Truancy If a student is not lawfully exempt, properly excused from school attendance, or has a record of excessive absences, the parent will be warned in writing that the student’s attendance must improve immediately. In the event the student’s attendance does not improve, the attendance officer may file a complaint in the appropriate justice court. Students who are absent from school without a parent’s knowledge or are absent from any class without permission for more than 10 minutes for 50 minute classes and by more than 15 minutes for 90 minute classes at any time during the class period will be considered truant and will be subject to disciplinary action. TRUANCY IS A CLASS C MISDEMEANOR (SB 1). Accountability Under State And Federal Law Llano Independent School District and each of its campuses are held to certain standards of accountability under state and federal law. A key component of accountability is the dissemination and publication of certain reports and information, including: • • • • The Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) for the district, compiled by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), based on academic factors and ratings; A School Report Card (SRC) for each campus in the district, compiled by TEA; The district’s financial management report, which includes the financial accountability rating assigned to the district by TEA; and Information compiled by TEA for the submission of a federal report card that is required by federal law. Accountability information can be found on the district’s website at: Accountability. Hard copies of any reports are available upon request to the district’s administration office. TEA maintains additional accountability and accreditation information at: TEA Performance Reporting Division. Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test (Grades 10–12) A student in grades 10–12 will be offered an opportunity to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test and consult with a military recruiter. Contact the principal for information about this opportunity. AWARDS AND HONORS NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY – Students in 10th, 11th and 12th grade who have an overall GPA of 3.5 (average is not rounded up) or higher and have met the qualifications regarding character, leadership, and service are eligible for consideration for membership in the National Honor Society. Members will be selected by the Faculty Council. Continued membership requires that grades and exceptional behavior be maintained. In order to be considered for a scholastic award, a student must carry three or more core courses per semester and be in the Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Plan. 25 Award Student An award student shall have maintained an overall grade point of 4.0 or better (average is not rounded up) and has no grade less than 80 for a Nine week average and no grade less than 80 on a semester average. Honor Student An honor student shall have maintained an overall grade point average of 3.2 or better (average is not rounded up) and has no grade less than 80 for a Nine week average and no grade less than 80 on a semester average. • NINE-WEEKS “A” HONOR ROLL - To be eligible for the nine-week honor roll, a student must be enrolled in at least four academic classes. He/she must have an overall 90 average with no grade lower than 90. • NINE WEEKS “A-B” HONOR ROLL - To be eligible for the nine-week A-B Honor roll, a student must be enrolled in at least four academic courses. Student must have an overall average of 80 or above with no grade lower than 80. Criteria for academic awards and honors may be subject to change. BULLYING The district strives to prevent bullying, in accordance with the district’s policies, by promoting a positive school culture; building healthy relationships between students and staff; encouraging reporting of bullying incidents, including anonymous reporting; and investigating and addressing reported bullying incidents. Bullying is defined in state law as a single significant act or a pattern of acts by one or more students directed at another student that exploits an imbalance of power and involves engaging in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that: • • • • Has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or of damage to the student’s property; Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student; Materially and substantially disrupts the educational process or the orderly operation of a classroom or school; or Infringes on the rights of the victim at school. Bullying includes cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is defined in state law as bullying that is done using any electronic communication device, including: • • • • • A cellular or other type of telephone A computer A camera Electronic mail Instant messaging 26 • • • • Text messaging A social media application An internet website Any other internet-based communication tool. Bullying is prohibited by the district and could include: • Hazing • Threats • Taunting • Teasing • Confinement • Assault • Demands for money • Destruction of property • Theft of valued possessions • Name-calling • Rumor-spreading • Ostracism. The district will integrate into instruction research-based content designed to reduce bullying that is appropriate for student’s age groups. Students in secondary grades will participate in: • Instruction on the brain’s ability to change and grow so the student recognizes bullying behavior can come from a developmental need to acquire more social skills, can change when the brain matures and learns better ways of coping, and is not an unchangeable trait. • Discussions that portray bullying as undesirable behavior and a means for attaining or maintaining social status at school, and that discourage students from using bullying as a tool for social status. • Instruction designed so that students recognize the role that reporting bullying behaviors plays in promoting a safe school community. The district will use an age-appropriate survey regarding school culture that includes relevant questions on bullying to identify and address student concerns. Each campus has a committee that addresses bullying by focusing on prevention efforts and health and wellness initiatives. The committee will include parents and secondary students. For more information on this committee, including interest in serving on the committee, contact the campus principal. If a student believes that he or she has experienced bullying or witnesses the bullying of another student, the student or parent should notify a teacher, school counselor, principal, or another district employee as soon as possible. Any district employee aware of a bullying incident will 27 relay the report to an appropriate administrator. Procedures for reporting allegations of bullying may be found on the district’s website. A student may anonymously report an alleged incident of bullying. The administration will investigate any allegations of bullying and related misconduct. The district will also provide notice to the parent of the alleged victim and the parent of the student alleged to have engaged in bullying. If an investigation determines that bullying occurred, the administration will take appropriate disciplinary action and may, in certain circumstances, notify law enforcement. Disciplinary or other action may be taken even if the conduct did not rise to the level of bullying. The district will provide research-based interventions, which may include counseling options, for students who engage in bullying behaviors, students who are targeted by bullying behaviors, and any student who witnessed bullying behaviors. Any action taken in response to bullying will comply with state and federal law regarding students with disabilities. Any retaliation against a student who reports an incident of bullying is prohibited. Upon the recommendation of the administration, the board may transfer a student found to have engaged in bullying to another classroom at the campus. In consultation with the student’s parent, the board may transfer the student to another campus in the district. The parent of a student who has been determined to be a victim of bullying may request that the student be transferred to another classroom or campus within the district. [See Safety Transfers/Assignments.] The District Bullying policy can be found on the district website Bullying. [See FFI(LOCAL]. A student or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of an investigation may appeal through policy FNG(LOCAL). [See Safety Transfers/Assignments, Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation, and Hazing, policy FFI, the district’s Student Code of Conduct, and the district improvement plan, a copy of which can be viewed in the campus office.] CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) AND OTHER WORK-BASED PROGRAMS (Secondary Grade Levels Only) The district offers career and technical education programs in the following areas: • • • • • • Accounting & Financial Services Animal Science Applied Agricultural Engineering Culinary Arts Design and Multimedia Arts Family and Community Services 28 • • • • • Law Enforcement Marketing Sales Nursing Science Plant Science Welding Admission to these programs is based on career interest, class size, faculty limitations, and instructor approval in some specialized courses such as Co-op. District policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in its vocational programs, services, or activities, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. District policy also prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The district will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs. For more information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX coordinator and the ADA/Section 504 coordinator. [See Nondiscrimination Statement for the name and contact information for the Title IX coordinator and ADA/Section 504 coordinator.] Career & Technology Course Levels Beginning Courses • • • • • • Advanced Courses • • • • • • • • • • • • • Principles of Human Services Principles of Business Marketing & Finance Principles of Construction (Tech. Theater) Principles of Agriculture/Natural Resources Principles of Art, A/V Tech, & Comm. Principles of Health Science 29 Human Growth/Development Lifetime Nutrition & Wellness Dollars & Sense Counseling/Mental Health Anatomy/Physiology Business Info. Mgmt. Systems Business Info. Mgmt. Systems 2 Business Management Business Law Business English Financial Math Sports Marketing Cyber Citizenship • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Accounting 1/Accounting 2 Computer Science 1 Computer Science 2 Digital & Interactive Media (Yearbook) Graphic Design & Illustration Engineering Design & Presentation Floral Design Livestock Production Veterinary Med Applications Project Based Research Ag Leadership, Research & Comm. Ag Mechanics/Metal Technology Welding Advanced Welding Practicum Introduction to Culinary Arts Culinary Arts Practicum in Culinary Arts Small Animal Management Advanced Animal Science Equine Science Flexible Manufacturing Food Technology & Safety Food Production Food Science Medical Microbiology Health Science Theory Medical Terminology Indpt. Study in Technology Apps. Printing & Imaging Technology 1/2 Digital Design & Media Production Digital Art & Animation • CELEBRATIONS Although a parent or grandparent may provide food to share for a school-designated function or for a student’s birthday, please be aware that children in the school may have severe allergies to certain food products. Discuss any classroom allergies with the teacher before bringing any food to share. 30 Occasionally the school or a class may host certain functions or celebrations tied to the curriculum that involve food. The school or teacher will notify students and parents of any known food allergies when soliciting potential volunteers to provide food. [See Food Allergies.] Child Sexual Abuse, Trafficking, and Other Maltreatment of Children The district has established a plan for addressing child sexual abuse and other maltreatment of children, which may be accessed on the district webpage. Trafficking includes both sex and labor trafficking. Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse in the Texas Family Code is defined as any sexual conduct harmful to a child’s mental, emotional, or physical welfare as well as a failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent sexual conduct with a child. A person who compels or encourages a child to engage in sexual conduct commits abuse. It is illegal to make or possess child pornography or to display such material to a child. Anyone who suspects that a child has been or may be abused or neglected has a legal responsibility, under state law, to report the suspected abuse or neglect to law enforcement or to Child Protective Services (CPS). A child who has been or is being sexually abused may exhibit physical, behavioral, or emotional warning signs, including: • • • Difficulty sitting or walking, pain in the genital areas, and claims of stomachaches and headaches; Verbal references or pretend games of sexual activity between adults and children, fear of being alone with adults of a particular gender, or sexually suggestive behavior; or Withdrawal, depression, sleeping and eating disorders, and problems in school. Be aware that children and adolescents who have experienced dating violence may show similar physical, behavioral, and emotional warning signs. [See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation and Consent to Instruction on Prevention of Child Abuse, Family Violence, Dating Violence, and Sex Trafficking.] Warning Signs of Trafficking Child trafficking of any sort is prohibited by the Penal Code. Sex trafficking involves forcing a person, including a child, into sexual abuse, assault, indecency, prostitution, or pornography. Labor trafficking involves forcing a person, including a child, to engage in forced labor or services. Traffickers are often trusted members of a child’s community, such as friends, romantic partners, family members, mentors, and coaches. Some traffickers contact victims online. Possible warning signs of sexual trafficking in children include: • Changes in school attendance, habits, friend groups, vocabulary, demeanor, and attitude; 31 • • • • • • • • • Sudden appearance of expensive items (for example, manicures, designer clothes, purses, technology); Tattoos or branding; Refillable gift cards; Frequent runaway episodes; Multiple phones or social media accounts; Provocative pictures posted online or stored on the phone; Unexplained injuries; Isolation from family, friends, and community; and Older romantic partners. Additional warning signs of labor trafficking in children include: • • • • • • • • • Being unpaid, paid very little, or paid only through tips; Being employed but not having a school-authorized work permit; Being employed and having a work permit but clearly working outside the permitted hours for students; Owing a large debt and being unable to pay it off; Not being allowed breaks at work or being subjected to excessively long work hours; Being overly concerned with pleasing an employer and/or deferring personal or educational decisions to a boss; Not being in control of his or her own money; Living with an employer or having an employer listed as a student’s caregiver; and A desire to quit a job but not being allowed to do so. [See Consent to Instruction on Prevention of Child Abuse, Family Violence, Dating Violence, and Sex Trafficking.] Reporting and Responding to Sexual Abuse, Trafficking, and Other Maltreatment of Children Anyone who suspects that a child has been or may be abused, trafficked, or neglected has a legal responsibility, under state law, for reporting the suspected abuse or neglect to law enforcement or to Child Protective Services (CPS). A child who has experienced sexual abuse or any other type of abuse or neglect should be encouraged to seek out a trusted adult. Children may be more reluctant to disclose sexual abuse than physical abuse and neglect and may only disclose sexual abuse indirectly. As a parent or trusted adult, it is important to be calm and comforting if your child or another child confides in you. Reassure the child that he or she did the right thing by telling you. If your child is a victim of sexual abuse, trafficking, or other maltreatment, the school counselor or principal will provide information on counseling options for you and your child available in your area. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) also manages early intervention counseling programs. To find out what services may be available in your county, see: Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Programs Available in Your County. 32 Reports of abuse, trafficking, or neglect may be made to the CPS division of the DFPS at 1-800252-5400 or on the web at Texas Abuse Hotline Website. Additional Resources on Sexual Abuse, Trafficking, and Other Maltreatment of Children The following websites include resources to help increase awareness of child abuse and neglect, sexual abuse, trafficking, and other maltreatment of children: • • • • • • Child Welfare Information Gateway Factsheet Kids Health, For Parents, Child Abuse Office of the Texas Governor’s Child Sex Trafficking Team Human Trafficking of School-aged Children Child Sexual Abuse: A parental Guide from the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault National Center of Safe Supportive Learning Environments: Child Labor Trafficking CLASS RANK / HIGHEST RANKING STUDENT Valedictorian and Salutatorian The valedictorian and salutatorian shall be the eligible students with the highest and second highest ranking as determined by the district’s class ranking policy. Students must have attended Llano High School during their final two years of instruction to be considered for valedictorian and salutatorian. Be graduating after exactly eight semesters of enrollment in high school. To qualify to give the valedictorian or salutatorian speech, a student shall not have engaged in any serious misconduct violation of the Student Code of Conduct, including removal to DAEP, a three-day suspension, or expulsion in grades 11-12. In case of a tie, the valedictorian shall be chosen according to the following criteria: • • The student with the most AP courses shall be considered first. If a tie remains, the student with the highest numerical average of all AP courses taken shall be the valedictorian. Three-year graduates shall be eligible for honors if they meet all the eligibility requirements. Class Rank / GPA Calculation Class rank will be determined by using a weighted grade point average. Only core courses will be used to calculate grade point average. Grade points will be assigned to grades received in designated courses: (1) regular, (2) advanced, and (3) honors. Grade points will be given for each semester grade contingent upon credit being obtained in a full year or semester course. No grade points will be given for courses failed. On the transcript the students will receive the actual grade 33 average earned during the four years. All classes will receive numerical grades. Honors classes receive a maximum of 5 grade points. Honors courses have “PreAP” or “AP” designation or are courses, which a committee of faculty members has determined to be exceptionally challenging. Advanced courses receive a maximum of 4.0 grade points. These include courses which students complete to graduate on the Foundation Plan. Regular courses receive a maximum of 3.0 grade points. These include some special education courses. Transfer Students Credits transferred to Llano High School will be awarded grade points on an equitable basis with the same course(s) taught at Llano High School. Transfer of honors/advanced credits for courses not taught at Llano at the time the student received credit for the honors/advanced course(s) in question will receive only regular grade points. However, all courses for which honor/advanced credits were originally given will be so designated on the transcript. CLASS SCHEDULES All students are expected to attend school for the entire school day and maintain a full class schedule. Exceptions may be made occasionally by the campus principal for students in grades 9–12 who meet specific criteria and receive parental consent to enroll in less than a full-day schedule. [See Schedule Changes for information related to student requests to revise their course schedule.] Students who are not scheduled in a class must be off campus. Students scheduled into Edmentom may not have off period until all work is completed. Students are only eligible for off period when they have approved transportation. Schedule Changes There will be strict adherence to course placements: Students will make course requests in mid spring and have until the end of the school year to make any changes. Students will have the ability to change schedules during the first two weeks of each semester. Dual Credit A student must meet college readiness standards through TSI, ACT, or SAT to take courses for college credit. No grade lower than a C/70 will receive high school credit. Students are responsible for tuition, fees, and books in all dual credit courses. Students must apply, be accepted, and be enrolled in the college granting dual credit, even if the class is taught during the regular school day. LHS offers dual credit classes through ASU that are taught in a regular classroom setting during the day and facilitates online courses through ASU. Students may also take evening courses, summer school courses, and online courses through an accredited university on their own time. It is the responsibility of the student to verify with LHS counselors before enrolling to confirm that 34 credits will be accepted and provide LHS an official transcript verifying credit that has been awarded by an accredited University if the student also wants high school credit. COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS AND FINANCIAL AID For two school years following graduation, a district student who graduates as valedictorian or in the top ten percent of his or her class is eligible for automatic admission into four-year public universities and colleges in Texas if the student: • • Completes the distinguished level of achievement under the foundation graduation program [see Foundation Graduation Program]; or Satisfies the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks or earns at least a 1500 out of 2400 on the SAT. The student is ultimately responsible for meeting the admission requirements of the university or college, including timely submission of a completed application. If a college or university adopts an admissions policy that automatically accepts the top 25 percent of a graduating class, the provisions above will also apply to a student ranked in the top 25 percent of his or her class. The University of Texas at Austin may limit the number of students automatically admitted to 75 percent of the University’s enrollment capacity for incoming resident freshmen. From the summer 2022term through the spring 2024 term, the University will admit the top six percent of the high school’s graduating class who meet the above requirements. Additional applicants will be considered by the University through a holistic review process. As required by law, the district will provide written notice concerning the following: • • • • • • Automatic college admission Curriculum requirements for financial aid Benefits of completing the requirements for automatic admission and financial aid The Texas First Early High School Completion Program, which requires a student to provide an official copy of assessment results and credits required for early graduation under the program Texas First Scholarship Program The Future Texas Teachers Scholarship Program Parents and students will be asked to sign an acknowledgment that they received this information. Students and parents should contact the school counselor for more information about automatic admissions, the application process, and deadlines. [See Class Rank/Highest Ranking Student for information specifically related to how the district calculates a student’s rank in class and requirements for Graduation for information associated with the foundation graduation program]. [See Students in the Conservatorship of the State (Foster Care) for information on assistance in transitioning to higher education for students in foster care.] 35 COLLEGE CREDIT COURSES Students in grades 9–12 may earn college credit through the following opportunities: • • • • Certain courses taught at the high school campus, which may include courses termed dual credit, Advanced Placement (AP), or college preparatory Enrollment in an AP or dual credit course through the Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) Enrollment in courses taught in conjunction and in partnership with ASU which may be offered on or off campus Enrollment in courses taught at other colleges or universities. Under the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program, a student may be eligible to enroll at no cost to the student in dual credit courses at a participating institution of higher education. The FAST program allows students who are or have been educationally disadvantaged at any time during the four years preceding the student’s enrollment in a dual credit course to enroll at no cost to the student. The district will determine eligibility upon the student’s enrollment in the dual credit course. See the high school counselor for more information. All these methods have eligibility requirements and must be approved prior to enrollment in the course. Please see the school counselor for more information. Depending on the student’s grade level and the course, a state-mandated end-of-course assessment may be required for graduation. Not all colleges and universities accept credit earned in all dual credit or AP courses taken in high school for college credit. Students and parents should check with the prospective college or university to determine if a particular course will count toward the student’s desired degree plan. COMMUNICATIONS Parent Contact Information A parent is legally required to provide in writing the parent’s contact information, including address, phone number, and email address. A parent must provide the contact information to the district upon enrollment and again within two weeks after the beginning of each following year while the student is enrolled in the district. If the parent’s contact information changes during the school year, the parent must update the information in writing no more than two weeks after the date the information changes. A parent may update contact information by calling the school and speaking to the registrar. Automated Emergency Communications The district will rely on contact information on file with the district to communicate with parents in an emergency situation, which may include real-time or automated messages. An emergency situation may include early dismissal, delayed opening, or restricted access to the campus due to severe weather, another emergency, or a security threat. It is crucial to notify your child’s school when a phone number changes. 36 [See Safety for information regarding contact with parents during an emergency situation.] Automated Nonemergency Communications Your child’s school periodically sends information by automated or pre-recorded messages, text messages, or real-time phone or email communications that are closely related to the school’s mission and specific to your student, your student’s school, or the district. Standard messaging rates of your wireless phone carrier may apply. If you do not wish to receive such communications, please contact your child’s principal. [See Safety for information regarding contact with parents during an emergency.] COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS Usually student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed informally by a phone call or a conference with the teacher or principal. For those complaints and concerns that cannot be resolved informally, the board has adopted a Student and Parent Complaints/Grievances policy at FNG(LOCAL). This policy can be viewed in the district’s policy manual, available online at Complaints. The complaint forms can be accessed online at Complaint Forms or at the principal’s or superintendent’s office. To file a formal complaint a parent or student should complete and submit the complaint form. In general, the written complaint form should be completed and submitted to the campus principal in a timely manner. If the concern is not resolved, a parent or student may request a conference with the superintendent. If the concern is still unresolved, the district provides a process for parents and students to appeal to the board of trustees. CONDUCT Applicability of School Rules The board has adopted a Student Code of Conduct that defines standards of acceptable behavior—on and off campus, during remote and in-person instruction, and on district vehicles—and outlines consequences for violation of these standards. The district has disciplinary authority over a student in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Students and parents should be familiar with the standards set out in the Student Code of Conduct, as well as campus and classroom rules. During summer instruction, the Student Handbook and Student Code of Conduct in place for the year immediately preceding the summer period shall apply, unless the district amends either or both documents for the purposes of summer instruction. 37 Campus Behavior Coordinator Each campus has a campus behavior coordinator to apply discipline management techniques and administer consequences for certain student misconduct, as well as provide a point of contact for student misconduct. The contact information for each campus behavior coordinator is available on the district website at Llano ISD and the coordinator for this campus is listed below: Assistant Principal Deliveries Except in emergencies, delivery of messages or packages to students will not be allowed during instructional time. A parent may leave a message or a package, such as a forgotten lunch, for the student to pick up from the front office during a passing period or lunch. Disruptions of School Operations Disruptions of school operations are not tolerated and may constitute a misdemeanor offense. As identified by law, disruptions include the following: • • • • • • Interference with the movement of people at an exit, entrance, or hallway of a district building without authorization from an administrator. Interference with an authorized activity by seizing control of all or part of a building. Use of force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent participation in an authorized assembly. Use of force, violence, or threats to cause disruption during an assembly. Interference with the movement of people at an exit or an entrance to district property. Use of force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent people from entering or leaving district property without authorization from an administrator. Disruption of classes or other school activities while on or within 500 feet of district property includes. • • • Making loud noises; Trying to entice a student away from, or to prevent a student from attending, a required class or activity; and Entering a classroom without authorization and disrupting the activity with loud or profane language or any misconduct. Interference with the transportation of students in vehicles owned or operated by the district is also considered a disruption. Social Events School rules apply to all school social events. Guests attending these events are expected to observe the same rules as students, and a student inviting a guest will share responsibility for the conduct of his or her guest. A student attending a social event will be asked to sign out when leaving before the end of the event and will not be readmitted. COUNSELING The district has a comprehensive school counseling program that includes: 38 • • • • A guidance curriculum to help students develop their full educational potential, including the student’s interests and career objectives; A responsive services component to intervene on behalf of any student whose immediate personal concerns or problems put the student’s continued educational, career, personal, or social development at risk; An individual planning system to guide a student as the student plans, monitors, and manages the student’s own educational, career, personal, and social development; and Systems to support the efforts of teachers, staff, parents, and other members of the community in promoting the educational, career, personal, and social development of students. The district will make a preview of the program, including all materials and curriculum, available to parents to review during school hours. Academic Counseling High school students and their parents are encouraged to talk with a school counselor, teacher, or principal to learn more about course offerings, graduation requirements, and early graduation procedures. Each year, high school students will be provided information on anticipated course offerings for the next school, how to make the most of academic and career and technical education (CTE) opportunities, and the importance of postsecondary education. The school counselor will also provide information each year a student is enrolled in high school regarding; • • • • • • • • • The importance of postsecondary education; The advantages of earning an endorsement and completing the foundation program with the distinguished level of achievement; The disadvantages of pursuing a high school equivalency exam (GED) as opposed to earning a high school diploma; Financial aid eligibility and how to apply for financial aid; Automatic admission to state-funded Texas colleges and universities; Eligibility requirements for the TEXAS Grant; Availability of district programs that allow students to earn college credit; Availability of tuition and fee assistance for postsecondary education for students on foster care; and Availability of college credit awarded by institutions of higher education to veterans and military service members for military experience, education, and training. Additionally, the school counselor can provide information about workforce opportunities after graduation or technical and trade school opportunities, including opportunities to earn industryrecognized certificates and licenses. [See Scholarships and Grants for more information.] Personal Counseling The school counselor is available to assist students with a wide range of personal, social, and family concerns, including emotional or mental health issues and substance abuse. A student 39 who wishes to meet with the counselor should go to the front office and sign up to see a counselor. As a parent, if you are concerned about your child’s mental or emotional health, please speak with the school counselor for a list of resources that may be of assistance. If your child has experienced trauma, contact the school counselor for more information. [See Mental Health Support, and Child Sexual Abuse, Trafficking, and Other Maltreatment of Children and Dating Violence.] COURSE CREDIT A student at any grade level enrolled in a high school course will earn credit for a course only if the final grade is 70 or above. For a two-part (two-semester 1 credit) course, the student’s grade from both halves (semesters) will be averaged and credit will be awarded if the combined average is 70 or above. If the student’s combined average is less than 70, the student will be awarded credit only for the half (semester) with the passing grade. An End of Course assessment score shall not affect whether the student receives credit for the course. [Policy EIA Local] CREDIT BY EXAMINATION—If a Student Has Taken the Course/Subject A student who has previously taken a course or subject but did not receive credit or a final grade for it may, in circumstances determined by the principal or attendance committee, be permitted to earn credit or a final grade by passing an exam approved by the district’s board of trustees on the essential knowledge and skills defined for that course or subject. Examples of prior instruction include incomplete coursework due to a failed course or excessive absences, homeschooling, or coursework by a student transferring from a nonaccredited school. The opportunity to earn credit by examination after the student has had prior instruction is sometimes referred to as “credit recovery.” The attendance review committee may also offer a student with excessive absences an opportunity to earn credit for a course by passing an examination. If the student is granted approval to take an examination for credit, the student must score at least 70 on the examination to receive credit for the course or subject. [See the school counselor and policy EHDB(LOCAL) for more information.] CREDIT BY EXAMINATION FOR ADVANCEMENT / ACCELERATION —If a Student Has Not Taken the Course/Subject A student will be permitted to take an examination to earn credit for an academic course or subject area for which the student has had no prior instruction for advancement or to accelerate to the next grade level. The examinations offered by the district are approved by the district’s board of trustees. Testing windows for these examinations will be published in district publications and on the district’s website. A student may take a specific examination only once per testing window. The only exceptions to the published testing windows will be for any examinations administered by another entity or to accommodate a student experiencing homelessness or a student involved in the foster care system. 40 When another entity administers an examination, the student and the district must comply with the testing schedule of the other entity. If a student plans to take an examination, the student or parent must register with the school counselor no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled testing date. [See policy EHDC for more information.] Students in Grades 6–12 A student in grade 6 or above is eligible to earn course credit with; • • • A passing score of at least 80 on the examination approved by the board; or A scaled score of 50 or higher on an examination administered through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP); or A score of 3 or higher on an AP examination, as applicable. A student may take an examination to earn high school course credit no more than twice. If a student fails to achieve the designated score on the applicable exam before the beginning of the school year in which the student would need to enroll in the course according to the school’s high school course sequence, the student must complete the course. DATING VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND RETALIATION Students learn best and their welfare is best served, in an environment that is free from dating violence, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Students are expected to treat peers and district employees with courtesy and respect, avoid offensive behaviors, and stop those behaviors as directed. District employees are likewise expected to treat students with courtesy and respect. The board has established policies and procedures to prohibit and promptly address inappropriate and offensive behaviors that are based on a person’s race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. A copy of the district’s policy is available in the principal’s office and in the superintendent’s office or on the district’s website at Student Welfare. [See policy FFH for more information]. Dating Violence Dating violence will not be tolerated at school. To report dating violence, see Reporting Procedures. Dating violence occurs when a person in a current or past dating relationship uses physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse to harm, threaten, intimidate, or control the other person in the relationship or any of the person’s past or subsequent partners. This type of conduct is considered harassment if it is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity; creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or offensive educational environment; or substantially interferes with the student’s academic performance. Examples of dating violence against a student may include, but are not limited to: 41 • • • • • • • • • • Physical or sexual assaults; Name-calling; Put-downs; Threats to hurt the student, the student’s family members, or members of the student’s household; Destroying property belonging to the student; Threats to commit suicide or homicide if the student ends the relationship; Threats to harm a student’s past or current dating partner; Attempts to isolate the student from friends and family; Stalking; or Encouraging others to engage in these behaviors. In accordance with law, when the district receives a report of dating violence, a district official will immediately notify the parent of the alleged victim and alleged perpetrator. For more information on dating violence, see: • Texas Attorney General’s office recognizing and responding to dating violence flier • The CDC’s Preventing Teen Dating Violence. [See Consent to Instruction on Prevention of Child Abuse, Family Violence, Dating Violence, and Sex Trafficking.} Discrimination Discrimination is defined as any conduct directed at a student on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law that negatively affects the student. Harassment Harassment, in general terms, is conduct so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity; creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or offensive educational environment; or substantially interferes with the student’s academic performance. Examples of harassment may include, but are not limited to: • • • • • • Offensive or derogatory language directed at a person’s religious beliefs or practices, accent, skin color, or need for accommodation; Threatening, intimidating, or humiliating conduct; Offensive jokes, name-calling, slurs, or rumors; Physical aggression or assault; Graffiti or printed material promoting racial, ethnic, or other negative stereotypes; or Other kinds of aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property. 42 Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Harassment Sexual harassment and gender-based harassment of a student by an employee, volunteer, or another student are prohibited. Examples of sexual harassment may include, but not be limited to: • • • • Touching private body parts or coercing physical contact that is sexual in nature; Sexual advances; Jokes or conversations of a sexual nature; and Other sexually motivated conduct, communications, or contact. Sexual harassment of a student by an employee or volunteer does not include necessary or permissible physical contact that a reasonable person would not construe as sexual in nature, such as comforting a child with a hug or taking the child’s hand. However, romantic, sexual and other inappropriate social relationships between students and district employees are prohibited, even if consensual. Gender-based harassment includes physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct based on a student’s gender, the student’s expression of characteristics perceived as stereotypical for the student’s gender, or the student’s failure to conform to stereotypical notions of masculinity or femininity. Gender-based harassment can occur regardless of the student’s or the harasser’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Examples of gender-based harassment directed against a student may include, but not be limited to: • • • • Offensive jokes, name-calling, slurs, or rumors; Physical aggression or assault; Threatening or intimidating conduct; or Other kinds of aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property. Retaliation Retaliation against a person who makes a good-faith report or participates in an investigation of discrimination, harassment, or dating violence, is prohibited. A person who makes a false claim, offers false statements, or refuses to cooperate with a district investigation, however, may be subject to appropriate discipline. Examples of retaliation may include threats, rumor spreading, ostracism, assault, destruction of property, unjustified punishments, or unwarranted grade reductions. Unlawful retaliation does not include petty slights or annoyances. Reporting Procedures Any student who believes that he or she has experienced dating violence, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation should immediately report the problem to a teacher, school counselor, 43 principal, or other district employee. The report may be made by the student’s parent. [See policy FFH(LOCAL) and (EXHIBIT) for other appropriate district officials to whom to make a report.] Upon receiving a report, the district will determine whether the allegations, if proven, constitute prohibited conduct as defined by policy FFH. If not, the district will refer to policy FFI to determine whether the allegations, if proven, would constitute bullying, as defined by law and policy FFI. If the alleged prohibited conduct also meets the statutory and policy definitions for bullying, an investigation of bullying will also be conducted. [See Bullying] The district will promptly notify the parent of any student alleged to have experienced prohibited conduct involving an adult associated with the district. In the event alleged prohibited conduct involves another student, the district will notify the parent of the student alleged to have experienced the prohibited conduct when the allegations, if proven, would constitute a violation as defined by policy FFH. Investigation of Report Allegations of prohibited conduct, which includes dating violence, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, will be promptly investigated. To the extent possible, the district will respect the privacy of the student. However, limited disclosures may be necessary to conduct a thorough investigation and comply with law. If a law enforcement or other regulatory agency notifies the district that it is investigating the matter and requests that the district delay its investigation, the district will resume the investigation at the conclusion of the agency’s investigation. During an investigation and when appropriate, the district will take interim action to address the alleged prohibited conduct. If the district’s investigation indicates that prohibited conduct occurred, appropriate disciplinary action, and, in some cases, corrective action, will be taken to address the conduct. The district may take disciplinary and corrective action even if the conduct was not unlawful. All involved parties will be notified of the outcome of the district investigation within the parameters and limits allowed under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). A student or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation may appeal in accordance with policy FNG (LOCAL). DISCRIMINATION [See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation.] 44 DISTANCE LEARNING Distance learning and correspondence courses include courses that encompass the state-required essential knowledge and skills but are taught through multiple technologies and alternative methodologies such as mail, satellite, internet, video-conferencing, and instructional television. If a student wishes to enroll in a correspondence course or a distance learning course that is not provided through the Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN), as described below, to earn credit in a course or subject, the student must receive permission from the principal prior to enrolling in the course or subject. If the student does not receive prior approval, the district may not recognize and apply the course or subject toward graduation requirements or subject mastery. Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN) The Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN) has been established by the state as one method of distance learning. A student has the option, with certain limitations, to enroll in a course offered through the TXVSN to earn course credit for graduation. Depending on the TXVSN course in which a student enrolls, the course may be subject to the “no pass, no play” rules. [See Extracurricular Activities, Clubs, and Organizations] In addition, for a student who enrolls in a TXVSN course for which an end-of-course (EOC) assessment is required, the student must still take the corresponding EOC assessment. A parent may ask questions or request that their child be enrolled in a TXVSN course by contacting the school counselor. Unless an exception is made by the principal, a student will not be allowed to enroll in a TXVSN course if the school offers the same or a similar course. A copy of policy EHDE will be distributed to parents of middle and high school students at least once each year. If you do not receive a copy or have questions about this policy, please contact the LHS Office. Students should be aware of Texas and NCAA provisions regarding the requirements that must be met for independent-study, internet and correspondence courses to count as core courses. DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE, PUBLISHED MATERIALS OR OTHER DOCUMENTS School Materials Publications prepared by and for the school may be posted or distributed, with the prior approval of the principal, sponsor, or teacher. Such items may include school posters, newspapers, yearbooks, brochures, flyers, and the like. All school publications are under the supervision of a teacher, sponsor, and the principal. Nonschool Materials From Students Students must obtain prior approval from the principal before selling, posting, circulating, or distributing more than 25 copies of written or printed materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, films, tapes, posters, or other visual or auditory materials that were not developed under the oversight of the school. To be considered, any nonschool material must include the name of the 45 sponsoring person or organization. The decision regarding approval will be made within two school days. The principal will designate the location for approved nonschool materials to be placed for voluntary viewing or collection by students. [See policy at FNAA for more information.] A student may appeal a decision in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL). Any student who sells, posts, circulates, or distributes nonschool material without prior approval will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Materials displayed without approval will be removed. [See FNG(LOCAL) for student complaint procedures.] From Others No person or group will sell, circulate, distribute, or post on any district premises written or printed materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, films, tapes, or other visual or auditory materials that is not sponsored by the district or by a district-affiliated school-support organization except as permitted by policy GKDA. To be considered for distribution, any nonschool material must meet the limitations on content established in the policy, include the name of the sponsoring person or organization, and be submitted to the principal for prior review. The principal will approve or reject the materials within two school days of the time the materials are received. The requestor may appeal a rejection in accordance with the appropriate district complaint policy. [See policies at DGBA, or GF for more information.] The principal will designate the location for approved nonschool materials to be placed for voluntary viewing or collection. Prior review will not be required for: • • • Distribution of materials by an attendee to other attendees of a school-sponsored meeting intended for adults and held after school hours. Distribution of materials by an attendee to other attendees of a community group meeting held after school hours in accordance with policy GKD(LOCAL) or a noncurriculum-related student group meeting held in accordance with FNAB(LOCAL). Distribution for electioneering purposes during the time a school facility is being used as a polling place, in accordance with state law. All non-school materials distributed under these circumstances must be removed from district property immediately following the event at which the materials are distributed. DRESS AND GROOMING Students that choose to participate in any extracurricular activities may be subjected to stricter codes for dress and grooming due to their representation of our school at open competitions. The district's dress code teaches grooming and hygiene, prevents disruption, and minimizes safety hazards. Students and parents may determine a student’s personal dress and grooming standards, if they comply with the following: 46 1. Hair should be cleaned and neatly groomed. Vision must not be obstructed. Eyes must be clearly visible. Hair color must be of a naturally occurring color and/or color pattern in the human genome. 2. The student's body and clothing are expected to be clean. 3. All students are required to wear appropriate shirt/blouse and pants/shorts or skirt. Appropriate footwear is required at all times. A. Clothing exhibiting offensive, risqué, obscene, vulgar and/or suggestive slogans, language, or designs will not be permitted. B. Print and/or graphics suggestive to drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products will not be permitted on apparel, jewelry, accessories, or paraphernalia. C. Shirts shall be collared polo style, collared button-down, t-shirts, sweaters or turtlenecks. Sleeveless blouses and shirts are permitted when worn with the appropriate undergarments, and straps must be no less than 3” in width. (Tank tops, strapless blouses, spaghetti straps, and halter-tops are prohibited.) D. "Colors" or other attire that serves as identification of groups or organizations not affiliated with, or approved by, the school are not permitted. Prohibited items may include, but are not limited to, bandannas, headphones and clothing with particular logos. The principal may announce specific prohibited items as the need arises. E. Pants shall be worn at appropriate body size, (no oversized pants or stretched skin tight) and undergarments must not show. F. All skirts or dresses may be worn if the length is to within 5 inches at the top of the kneecap, with slits no more than 5 inches at the top of the kneecap. Dresses may be sleeveless (see shirt guidelines). G. Shorts must extend within 5 inches of the top of the kneecap. H. No facial hair will be worn below the bottom of an ear. I. Males are prohibited from wearing earrings or ear studs. Female students may not have more than two earrings per ear. J. NO visible body piercing will be permitted including clear studs. Tongue studs are prohibited. Band-Aids/cover-ups will NOT be permitted to cover any body piercing. K. Tattoos of any kind are discouraged. School officials may require that tattoos be covered. L. See-through attire will not be permitted. M. Hats and caps are prohibited in school buildings. N. Colored/tinted glasses are not to be worn in school buildings unless prescribed by a doctor for inside wear. O. Appropriate undergarments must be worn at all times, but must not be visible. P. Loose fitting or low-cut shirts/blouses must have a T-shirt worn underneath. Q. Midriff fully covered at all times. R. Skin-tight apparel may be considered inappropriate. If worn, it should be covered by loose fitting attire, which conforms to all other guidelines in this code. Any clothing made of spandex or similar body-hugging fabric or material (for example: leggings, yoga pants, jeggings, bike shorts) worn as pants alone may be considered inappropriate attire. S. Baggy or saggy pants or shorts are prohibited. T. Lounge, undershirts or pajama style clothing of any type are prohibited. 47 U. Spikes and chains of any type (includes wallet chains) are prohibited. V. Extreme styles, as determined by school officials, will be prohibited. W. Pants/clothing which is excessively altered, slit, worn, frayed, or contains holes above the mandatory short length is not allowed. X. Trench coats, coveralls, blankets, or other garments which conceal the entire body are prohibited. 4. Students must be in dress code compliance to attend class. 5. The principal may designate "Special days" on which special dress is permitted. 6. The Administration, in cooperation with the sponsor, coach, or other person in charge of an extracurricular activity, may regulate the dress and grooming of students who participate in the activity. These special regulations may exceed the standard dress code policies in order to maintain the organization’s specific standards or to promote school spirit. Continued participation will be contingent upon compliance with these standards. Final decisions on the appropriateness of school dress rest with the campus administration. If the principal determines that a student’s grooming or clothing violates the school’s dress code, the student will be given an opportunity to correct the problem at school and return to the classroom. A disciplinary consequence will accompany any dress code violation. If the problem cannot be corrected at school, the principal will work with the student and parent to obtain an acceptable change of clothing for the student in a way that minimizes loss of instruction time. Repeated or severe offenses may result in more serious disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Students who wish to argue with administration concerning the administrator’s decision, will be considered insubordinate and may be disciplined as such. The Administration, in cooperation with the sponsor, coach, or other person in charge of an extracurricular activity, may regulate the dress and grooming of students who participate in the activity. Students who violate those standards may be removed or excluded from the activity for a period determined by the principal or sponsor and may be subject to other disciplinary action. Each year there are a few things including some “fads” that show up on the campus. We are not listing any of these, nor are we making a regulation to cover all problems that arise. When a fad becomes a nuisance, it will be addressed and dealt with appropriately. Anything that distracts from the spirit or dignity of our school will be regulated. It is the sincere hope of the school that the appearance and dress of each student will be of such a nature that it will be a credit to the student, to his/her family, and to the school. 48 ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES Possession and Use of Personal Telecommunications Devices, Including Cell Phones, and Other Electronic Devices Llano High School does not allow the use of student cell phones during the school day. Students may use the phones in the office or the teacher classrooms to contact their parent(s)/guardian(s). The district permits students to possess personal cell phones for safety purposes; however, these devices must remain turned off and placed in the student’s backpack during the instructional day, including during lunch and all testing. [For graphing calculator application on computing devices, see Textbooks, Electronic Textbooks, Technological Equipment, and Other Instructional Materials.] A student must have approval to possess other telecommunications devices on campus such as laptops, tablets, or other portable computers. Without such permission, teachers will collect the items and turn them into the principal’s office. The principal will determine whether to return items to students at the end of the day or to contact parents to pick up the items. The use of cell phones or any device capable of capturing images is strictly prohibited in locker rooms or restroom areas while at school or at a school-related or school-sponsored event. Unauthorized capturing of images or videoing of teachers and students is prohibited. If a student’s telecommunications device/cell phone is on their person and not in a backpack, or the student is seen using the device without authorization during the school day, the device will be confiscated and given to the office. Cell phone offenses will have the following actions: • • • 1st offense – returned to student at the end of the school day. 2nd offense – returned to student at the end of the school day and 3 lunch detentions. 3rd offense – returned to parent/guardian at the end of the school day and 2 days ISS. Confiscated telecommunications devices that are not retrieved by the student or the student’s parent will be disposed of after the notice required by law. [See policy FNCE for more information.] In limited circumstances and in accordance with law, a student’s personal telecommunications device may be searched by authorized personnel. [See Searches and policy FNF for more information.] Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Neither Llano ISD, nor its employees are responsible for any confiscated, damaged, lost, or stolen telecommunications devices. Instructional Use of Personal Telecommunications and Other Electronic Devices Since every student attending Llano High School is issued a chromebook, the use of personal telecommunications or other personal electronic devices for instructional purposes will not be required. Students must also verify acceptance of a user agreement that contains the applicable rules for use. 49 All devices must be turned off during the instructional day when not in use for approved instructional purposes. Violations of the user agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action. Acceptable Use of District Technology Resources District-owned technology resources may be issued to individual students for instructional purposes. Use of the district’s network systems and equipment is restricted to approved purposes only. Students and parents will be asked to verify acceptance of Llano ISD’s Personalized Learning Initiative Chromebook Procedures and Information document regarding use of these district resources. Violations of the user agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action. Parents and students can view the LISD Acceptable Use Policy here. Unacceptable and Inappropriate Use of Technology Resources Students are prohibited from possessing, sending, forwarding, posting, accessing, or displaying electronic messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal. This prohibition also applies to conduct off school property, whether on district-owned or personally owned equipment, if it results in a substantial disruption to the educational environment. Any person taking, disseminating, transferring, possessing, or sharing obscene, sexually oriented, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or other content—commonly referred to as “sexting”—will be disciplined in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, may be required to complete an educational program related to the dangers of this type of behavior, and, in certain circumstances, may be reported to law enforcement. This type of behavior may constitute bullying or harassment, as well as impede future endeavors of a student. We encourage parents to review with their child the ‘Before You Text’ Sexting Prevention Course, a state-developed program that addresses the consequences of sexting. In accordance with state law, the district prohibits the installation of TikTok (or any successor application or service) on a district device, along with any other social media application or service determined by the governor. Any student who engages in conduct that results in a breach of the district’s computer security will be disciplined in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. In some cases, the consequence may be expulsion. END-OF-COURSE (EOC) ASSESSMENTS See Graduation, and Standardized Testing. EMERGENT BILINGUAL STUDENTS A student who is an emergent bilingual student is entitled to receive specialized services from the district. A Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC), consisting of both district personnel and at least one parent representative, will determine whether the student qualifies for services. The student’s parent must consent to any services recommended by the LPAC. However, pending the receipt of parental consent or denial of services, an eligible student will receive the services to which the student is entitled and eligible. 50 To determine a student’s level of proficiency in English, the LPAC will use information from a variety of assessments. If the student qualifies for services, and once a level of proficiency has been established, the LPAC will designate instructional accommodations or additional special programs that the student will require to eventually become proficient at grade level work in English. Ongoing assessments will be conducted to determine a student’s continued eligibility for the program. The LPAC will also determine whether certain accommodations are necessary for any statemandated assessments. The STAAR Spanish, as mentioned at Standardized Testing, may be administered to an emergent bilingual student up to grade 5. In limited circumstances, a student’s LPAC may exempt the student from an otherwise required state-mandated assessment or may waive certain graduation requirements related to the English I end-of-course (EOC) assessment. The Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) will also be administered to emergent bilingual students who qualify for services. If a student is considered an emergent bilingual student and receives special education services because of a qualifying disability, the student’s ARD committee will make instructional and assessment decisions in conjunction with the LPAC. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS Participation in school-sponsored activities is an excellent way for a student to develop talents, receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships. Some extracurricular activities may include off-campus events. Students are required to use transportation provided by the district to and from the events. Exceptions may only be made with the approval of the activity’s coach or sponsor. [See Transportation.] Eligibility for many of these activities is governed by state law and the rules of the University Interscholastic League (UIL), a statewide association overseeing interdistrict competition. If a student is involved in an academic, athletic, or music activity governed by UIL, the student and parent are expected to know and follow all rules of the UIL organization. Students and parents can access the UIL Parent Information Manual online. A hard copy can be provided by the coach or sponsor of the activity on request. To report alleged noncompliance with required safety training or an alleged violation of safety rules required by law and the UIL, please contact the curriculum division of TEA at (512) 4639581. [See UIL Texas for additional information on all UIL-governed activities.] Student safety in extracurricular activities is a priority of the district. Parents are entitled to review the district’s records regarding the age of each football helmet used by the campus, including when a helmet has been reconditioned. UIL Eligibility and Advanced Courses Generally, a student who receives a grade below 70 at the end of a grading period in any academic class may not participate in extracurricular activities for at least three school weeks. 51 Advanced Courses Students enrolled in an advanced placement course, or to an honors or dual credit course in the subject areas of English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, economics, or a language other than English will retain UIL eligibility even if the grade is below a 70. In addition, the following provisions apply to every extracurricular activity: • • • • A student who receives special education services and who fails to meet the standards in the individualized education program (IEP) may not participate for at least three school weeks. An ineligible student may practice or rehearse but may not participate in any competitive activity. A student is allowed in a school year up to 17 absences not related to post-district competition, a maximum of 5 absences for post-district competition prior to state, and a maximum of 2 absences for state competition. All extracurricular activities and public performances, whether UIL activities or other activities approved by the board, are subject to these restrictions. An absence for participation in an activity that has not been approved will be considered an unexcused absence. Standards of Behavior Sponsors of student clubs and performing groups such as the band, choir, and drill and athletic teams may establish standards of behavior—including consequences for misbehavior—that are stricter than those for students in general. If a violation is also a violation of school rules, the consequences specified by the Student Code of Conduct or by board policy will apply in addition to any consequences specified by the organization’s standards of behavior. Offices and Elections Certain clubs, organizations, and performing groups will hold elections for student officers. FEES Basic educational program materials are provided at no charge to a student. However, a student is expected to provide his or her own supplies, such as pencils, paper, erasers, and notebooks. A student may also be required to pay certain other costs, fees, or deposits, including: • • • • • • • • • Materials for a class project that the student will keep. Membership dues in voluntary clubs or student organizations. Admission fees to extracurricular activities. Security deposits. Personal physical education and athletic equipment and apparel. Voluntarily purchased pictures, publications, class rings, yearbooks, graduation announcements, and the like. Voluntarily purchased student health and accident insurance. Musical instrument rental and uniform maintenance when uniforms are provided by the district. Personal apparel used in extracurricular activities that becomes the property of the student. 52 • • • • • • Parking fees and student identification cards. Fees for lost, damaged, or overdue library books. Fees for optional courses offered for credit that require use of facilities not available on district premises. Accelerated instruction for courses that are offered tuition-free during the regular school year. A reasonable fee for providing transportation to a student who lives within two miles of the school. [See Buses and Other School Vehicles.] In some cases, a fee for a course taken through the Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN). Any required fee or deposit may be waived if the student and parent are unable to pay. Application for such a waiver may be made to the principal. [See policy FP for more information.] FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS Llano High School will allow up to four foreign exchange students per school year. Applications and arrangements must be made by May 15 of the preceding school year in which the exchange student will attend. FUNDRAISING Student groups or classes and/or parent groups may be permitted to conduct fundraising drives for approved school purposes in accordance with administrative regulations. An application for permission must be made to the principal at least 10 days before the event. [See policies at FJ and GE for more information.] GANG-FREE ZONES Certain criminal offenses, including gang-related crimes, will be enhanced to the next-highest category of offense if they are committed in a gang-free zone. Gang-free zones include a school bus and a location in, on, or within 1,000 feet of any district-owned or leased property or campus playground. GENDER-BASED HARASSMENT [See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation.] GRADE LEVEL CLASSIFICATION After the ninth grade, students are classified according to the number of credits earned toward graduation. However, students are also classified by the cohort group when entering ninth grade. Credits Earned Classification 7 Grade 10 (Sophomore) 14 Grade 11 (Junior) 20 Grade 12 (Senior) 53 GRADING GUIDELINES For general courses, grades will be 40% summative and 60% formative. No single summative grade will count more than 20% of the nine weeks average. Summative grades may consist of traditional tests, research papers, essays, projects, and other approved summative evaluations. (AT least 1 summative grade per 3 weeks, a minimum of 3 summative grades per 9 weeks) Formative grades may consist of daily grades, homework, journals, quizzes and other approved formative assessments. (At Least 3 formative grades per 3 weeks, a minimum of 9 formative grades per 9 weeks) For AP and Dual Credit courses, grades will be 60% summative and 40% formative. [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences for additional information on grading guidelines.] GRADUATION Requirements for a Diploma A student must meet the following requirements to receive a high school diploma from the district: • • • • • Achieve passing scores on certain end-of-course (EOC) assessments or approved substitute assessments, unless specifically waived as permitted by state law; Complete the required number of credits established by the state and any additional credits required by the district; Complete any locally required courses in addition to the courses mandated by the state; Demonstrate proficiency, as determined by the district, in the specific communication skills required by the State Board of Education SBOE); and Complete and submit a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) or a Texas application for state financial aid (TASFA). Testing Requirements for Graduation Students are required, with limited exceptions and regardless of graduation program, to perform satisfactorily on EOC assessments in: • • • • • English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, and U.S. History. A student who does not achieve a sufficient score will have opportunities to retake an assessment. State law allows a student to meet EOC requirements by substituting satisfactory performance on approved national standardized assessments or on the state-developed assessment used for 54 entrance into Texas public universities. [See the school counselor for more information on the state testing requirements for graduation.] If a student fails to perform satisfactorily on an EOC assessment, the district will provide remediation to the student in the content area. This may require the student’s participation outside normal school operating times. In limited circumstances, a student who fails to demonstrate proficiency on two of the required assessments may still be eligible to graduate if an individual graduation committee, formed in accordance with state law, unanimously determines that the student is eligible to graduate. [See Standardized Testing] Foundation Graduation Program Every Texas public school student will graduate under the foundation graduation program. The foundation graduation program features endorsements, which are paths of interest that include: • • • • • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Business and Industry; Public Service; Arts and Humanities; and Multidisciplinary Studies. Endorsements earned by a student will be noted on the student’s transcript. A student can complete the foundation graduation program with a “distinguished level of achievement,” which reflects the completion of at least one endorsement and Algebra II as one of the required advanced mathematics credits. A Personal Graduation Plan will be completed for each high school student. State law generally prohibits a student from graduating solely under the foundation graduation program without an endorsement. However, after the student’s sophomore year, the student and student’s parent may request that the student graduate without an endorsement. The district will advise the student and the student’s parent of the specific benefits of graduating with an endorsement. The student and the student’s parent must then submit written permission to the school counselor for the student to graduate without an endorsement. A student who wishes to attend a four-year university or college after graduation must carefully consider whether graduation under the foundation program without an endorsement will satisfy the admission requirements of the student’s desired college or university. A student graduating under the foundation graduation program can also earn performance acknowledgements on his or her transcript. Performance acknowledgements are available for outstanding performance in bilingualism and biliteracy, in a dual credit course, on an AP or IB examination, on certain national college preparatory and readiness or college entrance examinations, or for earning a license of certificate recognized at the state, national, or international level. The school counselor can provide more information about these acknowledgements. 55 A student is not required to complete an Algebra II course to graduate under the foundation graduation program, and the district will annually notify a student’s parent of this fact. However, not taking Algebra II will make a student ineligible for automatic admission to four-year public universities and colleges in Texas and for certain financial aid and grants while attending those institutions. A school district will permit a student to satisfy the curriculum requirements for graduation under the foundation program with the distinguished level of achievement, including an endorsement, by successfully completing courses in the core curriculum of a public Texas institution of higher education. Please see your counselor for more information. Credits Required The foundation graduation program requires completion of the following credits: Number of credits Foundation Graduation Program Number of credits Foundation Graduation Program with an Endorsement English/Language Arts 4 4 Mathematics 3 4 Science 3 4 Social Studies 3 3 Physical Education 1 1 Languages other than English 2 2 Fine Arts 1 1 Electives 5 7 TOTAL 22 credits 26 credits Course Area Additional considerations apply in some course areas, including: • • Mathematics. To obtain the distinguished level of achievement under the foundation graduation program, a student must complete an endorsement and take Algebra II as one of the 4 mathematics credits. A student’s completion of the distinguished level of achievement is a requirement to be considered for automatic admission purposes to a Texas four-year college or university and will be included on a student’s transcript. Physical education. A student who is unable to participate in physical activity due to a disability or illness may be able to substitute a course in English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, or another locally determined credit-bearing course for the required 56 • credit of physical education. This determination will be made by the student’s ARD committee, Section 504 committee, or other campus committee, as applicable. Languages other than English. Students are required to earn 2 credits in the same language other than English to graduate. Any student may substitute computer programming languages for these credits. • A student may satisfy one of the two required credits by successfully completing in elementary school a dual language immersion program or a course in American Sign Language. • In limited circumstances, a student may be able to substitute this requirement with other courses, as determined by a district committee authorized by law to make these decisions for the student. Available Endorsements A student must specify upon entering grade 9 the endorsement he or she wishes to pursue. Financial Aid Application Requirement Before graduating from high school, each student must complete and submit an application for financial aid for post-secondary education. Students must complete and submit either free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) or a Texas application for state financial aid (TASFA). Additional information concerning FAFSA and TASFA can be obtained in the counselor’s office. A student is not required to complete and submit a FAFSA or TASFA if: • • • The student’s parent submits a form provided by the district indicating that the parent authorizes the student to opt out; A student who is 18 years of age or older or a legally independent minor submits a form provided by the district indicating that the student opts out; or A school counselor authorizes the student to opt out for good cause. Please contact the school counselor for more information. To confirm that a student has completed and submitted a FAFSA or TASFA , the student must submit one of the following: • • • • • • A screenshot that includes the processed date field of the FAFSA ApplyTexas Counselor Suite; Notification, such as a copy of an email, from the United States Department of Education verifying completion of the FAFSA; A copy or screenshot of the FAFSA acknowledgement page; A screenshot of the TASFA submission acknowledgement page (from those institutions that offer an electronic form); An acknowledgement receipt from an institution of higher education (IHE); or A copy of a financial aid award letter from an IHE. 57 Personal Graduation Plans A personal graduation plan will be developed for each high school student. The district encourages all students to pursue a personal graduation plan that includes the completion of at least one endorsement and to graduate with the distinguished level of achievement. Attainment of the distinguished level of achievement is a requirement for a student to be considered for automatic admission to a public four-year college or university in Texas, depending on his or her rank in class. The school will review personal graduation plan options with each student entering grade 9 and his or her parent. Before the end of grade 9, a student and his or her parent will be required to sign off on a personal graduation plan that promotes college and workforce readiness, promotes career placement and advancement, and facilitates the transition from secondary to postsecondary education. The student’s personal graduation plan will outline an appropriate course sequence based on the student’s choice of endorsement. Please also review TEA’s Graduation Tool Kit. A student may, with parental permission, amend his or her personal graduation plan after the initial confirmation. Available Course Options for all Graduation Programs Each spring, the district will update students on the courses required or offered in each curriculum area so students can enroll for the upcoming school year. Note: The district may require the completion of certain courses for graduation even if these courses are not required by the state for graduation. Not all courses are offered at every secondary campus in the district. A student who wants to take a course not offered at his or her regular campus should contact the counselor about a transfer or other alternatives. If the parents of at least 22 students request a transfer for a course in the required curriculum other than fine arts or career and technical education (CTE), the district will offer the course the following year either by teleconference or at the school from which the transfers were requested. Certificates of Coursework Completion A certificate of coursework completion will be issued to a student who has successfully completed state and local credit requirements for graduation but has not yet demonstrated satisfactory performance on the state-mandated tests required for graduation. Early Graduation Students who plan to graduate early must meet with the principal and give written notice to the counseling office before the end of their sophomore year. Only students who have met all Statemandated testing requirements will be considered for early graduation. 58 Students with Disabilities Admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committees will make instructional and assessment decisions for students with disabilities who receive special education services in accordance with state law. Upon the recommendation of the ARD committee, a student with a disability who receives special education services may be permitted to graduate under the provisions of his or her individualized education program (IEP) and in accordance with state rules. A student who receives special education services may earn an endorsement under the foundation program. If the student’s curriculum requirements for the endorsement were modified, the student’s ARD committee will determine whether the modified curriculum is sufficiently rigorous to earn the endorsement. The ARD committee must also determine whether the student must perform satisfactorily on any end-of-course assessment to earn an endorsement. A student who receives special education services and has completed four years of high school but has not met the requirements of his or her IEP may participate in graduation ceremonies and receive a certificate of attendance. The student may then remain enrolled to complete the IEP and earn his or her high school diploma but will only be allowed to participate in one graduation ceremony. [See policy FMH(LEGAL) for more information.] Graduation Activities Graduation activities will include: • • Baccalaureate Service Commencement Ceremony Students who have met coursework requirements for graduation but have not yet demonstrated satisfactory performance on end-of-course assessments or been declared eligible to graduate by an individual graduation committee, if applicable, will be allowed to participate in graduation activities. Keep in mind that participating in the ceremonies is not the same as graduating. Ultimately, the final awarding of a diploma will be contingent upon the student’s completion of all applicable requirements for graduation. Students who are eligible to graduate but are assigned to a disciplinary alternative education program at the end of the school year will be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony and related graduation activities. Students who are denied credit due to attendance will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. Students may be able to regain the denied credits during summer school and attain graduate status with their class. Graduation cords and collars issued by the LHS administration are the only accessories allowed during the LHS Graduation ceremony. Decorated mortar boards, purchased cords, and other nonschool issued accessories are prohibited. 59 Graduation Speakers Certain graduating students will be given an opportunity to speak at graduation ceremonies. A student must meet local eligibility criteria, which may include requirements related to student conduct, to have a speaking role. Students eligible for speaking roles will be notified by the principal and given an opportunity to volunteer. [See the Student Code of Conduct and policy FNA(LOCAL)for more information.] [ For student speakers at other school events, see Student Speakers.] Graduation Expenses Because students and parents will incur expenses to participate in the traditions of graduation— such as the purchase of invitations, senior ring, cap and gown, and senior picture—both the student and parent should monitor progress toward completion of all requirements for graduation. The expenses often are incurred in the junior year or first semester of the senior year. [See Fees.] Scholarships and Grants Students who have a financial need according to federal criteria and who complete the foundation graduation program, may be eligible under the TEXAS Grant Program, Teach for Texas Grant Program, and Future Texas Teachers Scholarship Program for scholarships and grants toward tuition and fees to Texas public universities, community colleges, and technical schools, as well as to private institutions. Certain students who graduate early may also be eligible for the Texas First Scholarship Program. See College and University Admissions and Financial Aid for more information. Contact the school counselor for information about other scholarships and grants available to students. HARASSMENT [See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation.] HAZING Hazing is defined as an intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in a student organization if the act meets the elements in Education Code 37.151, including: • • • • Any type of physical brutality; An activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the student’s mental or physical health, such as sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement to small spaces, calisthenics, or consumption of food, liquids, drugs, or other substances; An activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task that violates the Penal Code; and Coercing a student to consume a drug or alcoholic beverage in an amount that would lead a reasonable person to believe the student is intoxicated. 60 The district will not tolerate hazing. Disciplinary consequences for hazing will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. It is a criminal offense if a person engages in hazing; solicits, encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid another in hazing; or has firsthand knowledge of an incident of hazing being planned or having occurred and fails to report this to the principal, superintendent, or law enforcement official. [See Bullying and policies FFI and FNCC for more information.] HEALTH—Physical and Mental Illness When your child is ill, please contact the school to let us know he or she will not be attending that day. State rules require schools to exclude students with certain illnesses from school for certain periods of time. For example, if a child has a fever over 100 degrees, he or she must stay out of school until fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications. Students with diarrheal illnesses must stay home until they are diarrhea-free without use of diarrheasuppressing medications for at least 24 hours. A full list of conditions for which the school must exclude children can be obtained from the school nurse. If a student becomes ill during the school day, and the school nurse determines that the child should go home, the nurse will contact the parent. The district is required to report certain contagious (communicable) diseases or illnesses to the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) or our local/regional health authority. The school nurse can provide information from DSHS on these notifiable conditions. The school nurse is available to answer any questions for parents who are concerned about whether or not their child should stay home. IMMUNIZATION A student must be fully immunized against certain diseases or must present a certificate or statement that, for medical reasons or reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, the student will not be immunized. For exemptions based on reasons of conscience, only official forms issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Immunization Branch, can be honored by the district. Affidavit Request for Exemption from Immunization online or by writing to this address: 61 Texas Department of state Health Services Immunization Section, Mail Code 1946 P.O. Box 149347 Austin, Texas 78714-9347 The form must be notarized and submitted to the principal or school nurse within 90 days of notarization. If the parent is seeking an exemption for more than one student in the family, a separate form must be provided for each student. The immunizations required are: • • • • • • • Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis Polio Measles, mumps, and rubella Hepatitis B Varicella (chicken pox) Meningococcal Hepatitis A The school nurse can provide information on immunization requirements. Proof of immunization may be established by personal records from a licensed physician or public health clinic with a signature or rubber-stamp validation. If a student should not be immunized for medical reasons, the student or parent must present a certificate signed by a U.S. registered and licensed physician stating that, in the doctor’s opinion, the immunization required is medically contraindicated or poses a significant risk to the health and well-being of the student or a member of the student’s family or household. This certificate must be renewed yearly unless the physician specifies a lifelong condition. For more information on immunization against bacterial meningitis and college enrollment and attendance, see Bacterial Meningitis. [See the DSHS website: Texas School & Child Care Facility Immunization Requirements and policy FFAB(LEGAL) for more information.] Lice Head lice is very common among children. Although not an illness or a disease, head lice spread easily through head-to-head contact during play, sports, or nap time and when children share things like brushes, combs, hats, and headphones. The district does not require that students be removed from school because of lice or nits. 62 If careful observation indicates that a student has head lice, the school nurse will contact the student’s parent to discuss a treatment plan using an FDA-approved medicated shampoo or cream rinse that may be purchased from any drug or grocery store. After the student undergoes one treatment, the parent should contact the school nurse to discuss the treatment used. The nurse can also offer additional recommendations, including subsequent treatments and how best to get rid of lice and how to prevent their lice from returning. The district will provide notice to parents of elementary school students in an affected classroom without identifying the student with lice. More information on head lice can be obtained from the DSHS website Managing Head Lice in School Settings and at Home. [See policy FFAA for more information.] MEDICINE AT SCHOOL If a student must take medication during school hours, the student’s parent must provide the medication. All medication, whether prescription or nonprescription, must be kept in the nurse’s office and administered by the nurse or another authorized district employee. A student may be authorized to possess his or her own medication because of asthma or a severe allergy as described below or as otherwise allowed by law. The district will not purchase nonprescription medication to give to a student. In accordance with policy FFAC, authorized employees may administer: • • • • Prescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent, along with a written request. Prescription medication from a properly labeled unit dosage container filled by a registered nurse or another qualified district employee from the original, properly labeled container provided by the parent along with a written request. Nonprescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent along with a written request. Note: Insect repellant is considered a nonprescription medication. Herbal or dietary supplements provided by the parent only if required by the student’s individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan for a student with disabilities. An elementary or secondary student may possess and self-apply sunscreen to avoid overexposure to the sun. An elementary student’s teacher or other district personnel will apply sunscreen to the student’s exposed skin if the student brings the sunscreen to school and asks for help applying it. If a secondary student needs assistance with sunscreen application, please address the need with the school nurse. Whether a student is at the elementary or secondary level, if sunscreen needs to be administered to treat any type of medical condition, this should be handled through communication with the school nurse so that the district is made aware of any safety and medical issues. Asthma and Severe Allergic Reactions A student with asthma or severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may possess and use prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication at school or school-related events only if he or she has written 63 authorization from his or her parent and a physician or other licensed health-care provider. The student must also demonstrate to his or her physician or health-care provider and the school nurse the ability to use the prescribed medication, including any device required to administer the medication. If the student has been prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication for use during the school day, the student and parents should discuss this with the school nurse or principal. See also Food Allergies. Unassigned Epinephrine Auto-Injectors In accordance with Chapter 38, Subchapter E of the Education Code, the board has adopted a policy to allow authorized personnel and/or school volunteers who have been adequately trained to administer an unassigned epinephrine auto-injector to a person who is reasonably believed to be experiencing a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). An “unassigned epinephrine auto-injector” is an epinephrine auto-injector prescribed by an authorized health-care provider in the name of the school issued with a non-patient-specific standing delegation order for the administration of an epinephrine auto-injector. Epinephrine auto-injectors include brand-name devices such as EpiPens. Authorized and trained individuals may administer an epinephrine auto-injector at any time to a person experiencing anaphylaxis on a school campus. The district will ensure that at each campus a sufficient number of school of school personnel and/or school volunteers are trained to administer epinephrine so that at least one trained individual is present on campus during regular school hours and whenever school personnel are physically on site for school-sponsored activities. Authorized and trained individuals may administer an unassigned epinephrine auto-injector to a person experiencing anaphylaxis at an off-campus school event or while in transit to or from a school event when an unassigned epinephrine auto-injector is available. For information, see FFAC (LOCAL) Unassigned Medication for Respiratory Distress In accordance with Chapter 38, Subchapter E of the Education Code, the board has adopted a policy to allow authorized and trained school personnel and/or school volunteers to administer a medication for respiratory distress on a school campus or at a school-related activity to a person reasonably believed to be experiencing symptoms of respiratory distress. The district will provide at each campus school personnel and/or school volunteers who are trained to administer prescription medication for respiratory distress during regular school hours. “Unassigned medication for respiratory distress” means albuterol, levalbuterol, or another medication designated by the executive commission of the Health and Human Services Commission for treatment of respiratory distress, prescribed by an authorized health-care provider in the name of the district with a non-patient-specific standing delegation order for the administration of a medication for respiratory distress, and issued by an authorized health-care provider. 64 For additional information, see FFAC (LOCAL). Unassigned Opioid Antagonists In accordance with Chapter 38, Subchapter E of the Education Code, the board has adopted a policy to allow authorized and trained school personnel and/or school volunteers at each campus that serves students in grades 6-12 to administer an opioid antagonist, such as Narcan or Naloxone, to an individual who is reasonably believed to be experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose. One or more authorized and trained individuals will be present on each campus subject to this policy during regular school hours. Steroids State law prohibits students from possessing, dispensing, delivering, or administering an anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroids are for physician prescribed medical use only. Body building, muscle enhancement, or the increase of muscle bulk or strength through the use of an anabolic steroid or human growth hormone by a healthy student is not a valid medical use and is a criminal offense. Mental Health Support The district has implemented programs to address the following mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse concerns: • • • • • • • • Mental health promotion and early intervention; Building skills to manage emotions, establish and maintain positive relationships, and engage in responsible decision-making; Substance abuse prevention and intervention; Suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention (interventions after a suicide in a community); Grief, trauma, and trauma-informed care; Positive behavior interventions and supports; Positive youth development; and Safe, supportive, and positive school climates. If a student has been hospitalized or placed in residential treatment for a mental health condition or substance abuse, the district has procedures to support the student’s return to school. Please contact the district’s mental health liaison for more information. Teachers and other district employees may discuss a student’s academic progress or behavior with the student’s parents or another employee as appropriate; however, they are not permitted to recommend use of psychotropic drugs. A psychotropic drug is a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication that is intended to alter perception, emotion, mood, or behavior. 65 A district employee who is a registered nurse, an advanced nurse practitioner, a physician, or a certified or credentialed mental health professional can recommend that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner, if appropriate. [See policy FFEB for more information.] For related information, see: • • • • Consent to Conduct a Psychological Evaluation and Consent to Provide a Mental Health Care Service for the district’s procedures for recommending a mental health intervention and the mental health liaison’s contact information; Counseling for the district’s comprehensive school counseling program; Physical and Mental Health Resources for campus and community mental and physical health resources; and Policies and Procedures that Promote Student Physical and Mental Health for boardadopted policies and administrative procedures that promote student health. Physical Activity Requirements Temporary Restriction from Participation in Physical Education Students who are temporarily restricted from participation in physical education will not actively participate in skill demonstration but will remain in class to learn the concepts of the lessons. Physical Fitness Assessment (Grades 3-12) Annually, the district will conduct a physical fitness assessment of students in grades 3–12 who are enrolled in a physical education course or a course for which physical education credit is awarded. At the end of the school year, a parent may submit a written request to obtain the results of his or her child’s physical fitness assessment conducted during the school year by contacting Llano ISD. PHYSICAL HEALTH SCREENINGS / EXAMINATIONS Athletics Participation For certain extracurricular activities, a student must submit certification from an authorized health-care provider. The certification must state that the student has been examined and is physically able to participate in the relevant program, including: • • • A district athletics program. District marching band. Any district extracurricular program identified by the superintendent. This examination is required in the first year of middle school competition and the first and third years of high school competition. During the alternate years, the student must complete a medical appraisal form, and the results of this appraisal may prompt the district to require a physical examination. Students should be aware of the rare possibility of sudden cardiac arrest, which in athletes is usually caused by a previously unsuspected heart disease or disorder. A student may request an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to screen for such disorders, in addition to his or her required physical examination. See the UIL’s explanation of sudden cardiac arrest for more information. 66 Spinal Screening Program School-based spinal screening helps identify adolescents with abnormal spinal curvature at an early stage when the curve is mild and may go unnoticed. Early detection is key to controlling spinal deformities. Spinal screening is non-invasive and conducted in accordance with the most recent, nationally accepted and peer-reviewed standards. All students who meet the Texas Department of State Health Services criteria will be screened for abnormal spinal curvature before the end of the school year. As appropriate, students will be referred for follow-up with their physician. For information on spinal screening by an outside professional or exemption from spinal screening based on religious beliefs, contact the superintendent, or see policy FFAA(LEGAL). Other Examinations and Screenings Students are required to undergo a risk assessment for Type 2 diabetes at the same time the district screens students for hearing and vision issues or for abnormal spinal curvatures. Special Health Concerns Bacterial Meningitis Please see the district’s website at Bacterial Meningitis for information regarding meningitis. Note: Entering college students must show, with limited exception, evidence of receiving a bacterial meningitis vaccination within the five-year period prior to enrolling in and taking courses at an institution of higher education. Please see the school nurse for more information, as this may affect a student who wishes to enroll in a dual credit course taken off campus. [See Immunization.] Diabetes In accordance with a student’s individual health plan for management of diabetes, a student with diabetes will be permitted to possess and use monitoring and treatment supplies and equipment while at school or at a school-related activity. See the school nurse or principal for information. [See policy FFAF(LEGAL) for more information.] Food Allergies Parents should notify the district when a student has been diagnosed with a food allergy, especially an allergy that could result in dangerous or life-threatening reactions either by breathing, eating, or touching the particular food. It is important to disclose the food to which the student is allergic, as well as the nature of the allergic reaction. Please contact the school nurse or campus principal if your child has a known food allergy or as soon as possible after any diagnosis of a food allergy. The district has developed and annually reviews a food allergy management plan, based on the Texas Department of State Health Services’ (DSHS) Guidelines for the Care of Students with Food Allergies At-Risk for Anaphylaxis found on the DSHS Allergies and Anaphylaxis website. 67 When the district receives information that a student has a food allergy that puts the student at risk for anaphylaxis, an individual care plan will be developed to assist the student in safely accessing the school environment. The district’s food allergy management plan can be accessed at Health Services. [See Celebrations and policy FFAF for more information.] Seizures To address the care of a student with a seizure disorder while at school or participating in a school activity, a parent may submit a seizure management and treatment plan to the district before the beginning of the school year, upon enrollment of the student, or as soon as practicable following a diagnosis of a seizure disorder. [See A Student with Physical or Mental Impairments Protected under Section 504 and contact the school nurse for more information.] Tobacco and E-cigarettes Prohibited Students are prohibited from possessing or using any type of tobacco product, electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or any other electronic vaporizing device while on school property or while attending an off-campus school-related activity. The district and its staff strictly enforce prohibitions against the use of all tobacco products, ecigarettes, or any other electronic vaporizing device by students and all others on school property and at school-sponsored and school-related activities. [See the Student Code of Conduct and policies at FNCD and GKA for more information.] Health-Related Resources, Policies, and Procedures Physical and Mental Health Resources Parents and students in need of assistance with physical and mental health concerns may contact the following campus and community resources: • • • • The campus nurse at 325-248-2200. The campus counselor at 325-248-2200. The local public health authority. The local mental health authority. Policies and Procedures that Promote Student Physical and Mental Health The district has adopted board policies that promote student physical and mental. (LOCAL) policies on the topics below can be found in the district’s policy manual, available at Board Policy. 68 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Food and nutrition management: CO, COA, COB Wellness and Health Services: FFA Physical Examinations: FFAA Immunizations: FFAB Medical Treatment: FFAC Communicable Diseases: FFAD School-Based Health Centers: FFAE Care Plans: FFAF Crisis Intervention: FFB Trauma-informed Care: FFBA Student Support Services: FFC Student Safety: FFF Child Abuse and Neglect: FFG Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation: FFH Freedom from Bullying: FFI In addition, the District Improvement Plan details the district’s strategies to improve student performance through evidence-based practices that address physical and mental health. The district has developed administrative procedures as necessary to implement the above policies and plans. For more information regarding these procedures and access to the District Improvement Plan, please contact the assistant superintendent. School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) During the preceding school year, the district’s School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) held quarterly meetings. Additional information regarding the district’s SHAC is available from the Assistant Superintendent or SHAC. [See Consent to Human Sexuality Instruction, Consent to Instruction on Prevention of Child Abuse, Family Violence, Dating Violence, and Sex Traffidking, and policies BDF and EHAA for more information.] Student Wellness Policy/Wellness Plan To encourage healthy habits in our students, the district has developed a board-adopted wellness policy at FFA(LOCAL) and corresponding plans and procedures to implement it. For questions about the content or implementation of the district’s wellness policy and plan, please contact LISD Director of School Health. HOMEWORK LHS Administration and staff will establish guidelines to meet the expectations of the required TEKS of each course. The guidelines will be communicated through a student's teachers. 69 LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES Questioning of Students When law enforcement officers or other lawful authorities wish to question or interview a student at school, the principal will cooperate fully regarding the conditions of the interview, including without parent consent, if necessary, if it is part of a child abuse investigation. In other circumstances, the principal will: • • • Verify and record the identity of the officer or other authority and ask for an explanation of the need to question or interview the student at school. Ordinarily make reasonable efforts to notify the parents, unless the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection. Ordinarily be present for the questioning or interview, unless the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection. Students Taken into Custody State law requires the district to permit a student to be taken into legal custody: • • • • • • • • To comply with an order of the juvenile court. To comply with the laws of arrest. By a law enforcement officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct in need of supervision. By a law enforcement officer to obtain fingerprints or photographs for comparison in an investigation. By a law enforcement officer to obtain fingerprints or photographs to establish a student’s identity, where the child may have engaged in conduct indicating a need for supervision, such as running away. By a probation officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has violated a condition of probation imposed by the juvenile court. By an authorized representative of Child Protective Services (CPS), Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), a law enforcement officer, or a juvenile probation officer, without a court order, under the conditions set out in the Family Code relating to the student’s physical health or safety. To comply with a properly issued directive from a juvenile court to take a student into custody. Before a student is released to a law enforcement officer or other legally authorized person, the principal will verify the person’s identity and, to the best of his or her ability, will verify the official’s authority to take custody of the student. The principal will immediately notify the superintendent and will attempt to notify the parent, unless the legally authorized person raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection to notifying the parents. Because the principal does not have the authority to prevent or delay a student’s release legally authorized person, any notification will most likely be after the fact. Notification of Law Violations The district is required by state law to notify: 70 • • • All instructional and support personnel who have responsibility for supervising a student who has been taken into custody, arrested, or referred to the juvenile court for any felony offense or for certain misdemeanors. All instructional and support personnel who have regular contact with a student who has been convicted, received deferred prosecution, received deferred adjudication, or was adjudicated for delinquent conduct for any felony offense or certain misdemeanors that occur in school, on school property, or at a school-sponsored or school-related activity on or off school property. These personnel will also be notified if the principal has reasonable grounds to believe the student has engaged in certain conduct. All appropriate district personnel regarding to a student who is required to register as a sex offender. [See policy GRAA(LEGAL) for more information.] LEAVING CAMPUS Llano High School is a closed campus. Student attendance is crucial. Appointments be scheduled outside of school hours if possible. Except for extenuating circumstances, students will not regularly be released before the end of the school day. Parental consent is required before any student leaves campus for any part of the school day. For students in high school, a parent or otherwise authorized adult must come to the office and show identification to sign the student out. A campus representative will ask the student to report to the office. For safety purposes and stability of the learning environment, we cannot allow any unescorted adult to go to the classroom or other area to pick up the student. If the student returns to campus the same day, the parent or authorized adult must sign the student back in through the main office upon the student’s return. Documentation regarding the reason for the absence will also be required. If the student’s parent authorizes the student to leave campus unaccompanied, a note provided by the parent must be submitted to the main office no later than two hours prior to the student’s need to leave campus. A phone call from the parent may be accepted, but the school may ultimately require a note for documentation purposes. The student must sign out through the main office and sign in upon his or her return if the student returns the same day. If a student becomes ill during the school day and the school nurse or other district personnel determines that the student should go home, the nurse will contact the student’s parent and document the parent’s wishes regarding release from school. Unless the parent directs district personnel to release the student unaccompanied, the parent or other authorized adult must follow the sign-out procedures listed above. If a student is permitted by his or her parent to leave campus unaccompanied, the nurse will document the time of day the student was released. If a student is 18 years of age or is an emancipated minor, the student may sign him or herself out of school. Documentation regarding the reason for the absence will be required. 71 During Lunch Students will not be allowed to leave campus for lunch unless accompanied by a parent. Students 18 years of age or an emancipated minor, may not sign him or herself out of school during lunch. The LHS administration reserves the right to amend the leave policy as needed. At Any Other Time During the School Day Students are not authorized to leave campus during regular school hours for any other reason, except with the permission of the principal. Students who leave campus in violation of these rules will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. LOST AND FOUND A lost and found collection box is located in the cafeteria foyer. A student who loses an item should check the lost and found box. The district discourages bringing personal items of high monetary value to school, as the district is not responsible for lost or stolen items. The campus will dispose of lost and found items at the end of each semester. MAKEUP WORK Makeup Work Because of Absence A teacher may assign makeup work to a student who misses class based on instructional objectives and the needs of the student in mastering the essential knowledge and skills meeting subject or course requirements. The student will be responsible for obtaining and completing the makeup work within the time specified by the teacher. A student who does not make up assigned work within the time allotted by the teacher may receive a grade of zero for the assignment. The student is encouraged to speak with his or her teacher if the student knows of an absence ahead of time so that the teacher and student may plan any makeup work. Please remember the importance of student attendance at school. With limited exceptions, all absences count for the 90 percent threshold set in state law regarding attendance for credit or final grade. [See Attendance for Credit or Final Grade.] A student involved in an extracurricular activity must notify his or her teachers ahead of time about any absences. A student will be permitted to make up tests and turn in projects due in any class missed because of absence. Teachers may assign a late penalty to any long-term project in accordance with timelines approved by the principal and previously communicated to students. DAEP Makeup Work If a high school student is enrolled in a foundation curriculum course at the time of removal to a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP), he or she will have an opportunity to complete the course before the beginning of the next school year. The district may provide the opportunity to complete the course through an alternative method, including a correspondence course, another distance learning option, or summer school. The district will not charge the 72 student for any method of completion provided by the district. [See policy FOCA(LEGAL) for more information.] In-school Suspension (ISS) and Out-of-School-Suspension (OSS) Makeup Work Alternative Means to Receive Coursework While a student is in ISS or OSS, the district will provide the student with all course work for the student’s foundation curriculum classes that the student misses as a result of the suspension. Opportunity to Complete Courses A student removed from the regular classroom to ISS or another setting, other than a DAEP, will have an opportunity to complete before the beginning of the next school year each course the student was enrolled in at the time of removal from the regular classroom. The district may provide the opportunity by any method available, including a correspondence course, another distance learning option, or summer school. The district will not charge the student for any method of completion provided by the district. [See policy FO(LEGAL) for more information.] NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination and as required by law, the district does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law in providing education services, activities, and programs, including Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. In accordance with Title IX, the district does not and is required not to discriminate based on sex in its educational programs or activities. The requirement not to discriminate extends to employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX may be referred to the district’s Title IX coordinator (see below), to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education, or both. Other federal laws that prohibit discrimination include Title VI, Section 504, the Age Discrimination Act, the Boy Scouts Act, and Title II. The district has designated and authorized the following employee as the Title IX Coordinator to address concerns or inquiries regarding discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, or gender-based harassment: Assistant Superintendent, 1400 Oatman St., Llano, TX 78643, 325-247-4747. Reports can be made at any time and by any person, including during non-business hours, by mail, phone, or email. During district business hours, reports may also be made in person. Upon the district receiving notice or an allegation of sex-based harassment, the Title IX Coordinator will promptly respond in accordance with the process described at FFH (LOCAL). The following district representatives have been designated to address concerns or inquiries about other kinds of discrimination: 73 • • For concerns regarding discrimination based on disability, see the ADA/Section 504 Coordinator: 1400 Oatman St., Llano, TX 78643, 325-247-4747. For all other concerns regarding discrimination, see the superintendent: 1400 Oatman St., Llano, TX 78643, 325-247-4747. [See policies FB, FFH, and GKD for more information.] NONTRADITIONAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMS [See Requirements for a Diploma.] PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT Working Together Experience and research tell us that a child succeeds in education with good communication and a strong partnership between home and school. A parent’s involvement and engagement in this partnership may include: • • • • • • • • • • • Encouraging your child to put a high priority on education and working with your child every day to make the most of the educational opportunities the school provides. Ensuring that your child completes all homework assignments and special projects and comes to school each day prepared, rested, and ready to learn. Becoming familiar with all your child’s school activities and with the academic programs, including special programs, offered in the district. Discussing with the school counselor or principal any questions you may have about the options and opportunities available to your child. Reviewing the requirements and options for graduation with your child in middle school and again while your child is enrolled in high school. Monitoring your child’s academic progress and contacting teachers as needed. [See Academic Counseling.] Attending scheduled conferences and requesting additional conferences as needed. To schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher, school counselor, or principal, please call the school office at (325) 248-2200 for an appointment. The teacher will usually return your call or meet with you during his or her conference period or before or after school. [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences.] Participating in campus parent organizations. Parent organizations include: PTSO, Band Boosters, Athletic Booster Club, and Project Graduation. Serving as a parent representative on the district-level or campus-level planning committees that develop educational goals and plans to improve student achievement. For more information see policies at BQA and BQB and contact: High School Principal, (325) 248-2200 Serving on the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) and assisting the district in aligning local community values with health education instruction, human sexuality instruction, instruction on prevention of child abuse, family violence, and sex trafficking, and other wellness issues. [See School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) and policies at BDF, EHAA, FFA, for more information.] Being aware of the school’s ongoing bullying and harassment prevention efforts. 74 • • Contacting school officials if you are concerned with your child’s emotional or mental wellbeing. Attending board meetings to learn more about district operations. Regular Board Meetings are held the 4th Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Llano ISD Community Room, 1400 Oatman Street, unless otherwise noted. An agenda for a regular or special meeting is posted before each meeting online at School Board Information. [See policies at BE and BED for more information.] PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE AND A MINUTE OF SILENCE Each school day, students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. Parents may submit a written request to the principal to excuse their child from reciting a pledge. [See Reciting the Pledges to the U.S. and Texas Flags.] State law requires that one minute of silence follow recitation of the pledges. Each student may choose to reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in any other silent activity during that minute so long as the silent activity does not interfere with or distract others. In addition, state law requires that each campus provide for the observance of one minute of silence in remembrance of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, at the beginning of the first class period when September 11 falls on a regular school day [See policy EC for more information.] Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." The Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag "Honor the Texas Flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible." PRAYER Each student has a right to pray individually, voluntarily, and silently or to meditate in school in a manner that does not disrupt school activities. The school will not encourage, require, or coerce a student to engage in or to refrain from such prayer or meditation during any school activity. PROMOTION AND RETENTION A student will be promoted based only on academic achievement or proficiency. In making promotion decisions, the district will consider the following: • • • • Teacher recommendation, Grades, Scores on criterion-referenced or state-mandated assessment, and Any other necessary academic information as determined by the district. 75 In addition, at certain grade levels a student—with limited exceptions—will be required to pass the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) if the student is enrolled in a public Texas school on any day between January 1 and the date of the first administration of the STAAR. High School Grade Levels To earn credit in a course, a student must receive a grade of at least 70 based on course-level standards. A student in grades 9-12 will advance a grade level based on the number of course credits earned. [See Grade Level Classification.] Students will also have multiple opportunities to retake EOC assessments. [See Graduation and Standardized Testing.] Repeating a High School Credit Course A parent may request in writing that a student repeat a high school credit course in which the student was enrolled during the previous school year unless the district determines that the student has met all requirements for graduation. Before granting the request, the district may convene a retention committee to meet and discuss the request and will invite the parent to participate. Only the student’s first passing grade will be included in the calculation of class rank. RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL [See Leaving Campus.] REPORT CARDS / PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENCES Report cards with each student’s performance and absences in each class or subject are issued at the end of every nine weeks. Progress reports with each student’s grades or performance and absences in each class or subject are issued to parents or students at the third and sixth weeks of the nine weeks term. Parents are encouraged to track their student’s performance online through Family Access. Teachers follow grading guidelines that have been approved by the principal pursuant to the board-adopted policy. Grading guidelines are designed to reflect each student’s relative mastery of each assignment. State law provides that a test or course grade issued by a teacher cannot be changed unless the board determines that the grade was arbitrary or contains an error, or that the teacher did not follow the district’s grading policy. [See Grading Guidelines and policy EIA(LOCAL) for more information.] Questions about grade calculation should first be discussed with the teacher. If the question is not resolved, the student or parent may request a conference with the principal in accordance with FNG(LOCAL). 76 RETALIATION [See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation.] REQUIRED STATE ASSESSMENTS High School Courses—End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments STAAR end-of-course (EOC) assessments are administered for the following courses: • • • • Algebra I English I and English II Biology United States History Satisfactory performance on the applicable assessments is required for graduation, unless waived or substituted as allowed by state law and rules. There are three testing windows during the year in which a student may take an EOC assessment. The widows which occur in the fall, spring, and summer months. If a student does not meet satisfactory performance, the student will have opportunities to retake the assessment. Requesting Administration of STAAR/EOC in Paper Format (All Grade Levels) STAAR and EOC assessments are administered electronically. A parent or teacher may request that a STAAR or EOC be administered to a student in paper format. The district may grant this request for any single administration for up to three percent of the number of students enrolled in the district. Requests will be granted in the order in which they are received. Requests for paper format for a fall administration of a STAAR or EOC must be submitted no later than September 15 each school year. Requests for paper format for a spring administration of a STAAR or EOC must be submitted no later than December 1 each school year. Standardized Testing for a Student in Special Programs Certain students – some with disabilities and some classified as emergent bilingual students – may be eligible for exemptions, accommodations, or deferred testing. STAAR Alternate 2 is available for eligible students receiving special education services who meet certain state-established criteria as determined by the student’s ARD committee. An admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee for a student in grades 9-12 receiving special education services will determine whether successful performance on the EOC assessments will be required for graduation within the parameters identified in state rules and the student’s personal graduation plan (PGP). [See Graduation.] STAAR Spanish is available for eligible students for whom a Spanish version of STAAR is the most appropriate measure of their academic progress. For more information, see the principal, school counselor, or special education director. 77 Failure to Perform Satisfactorily on a STAAR or EOC Assessment If a student does not perform satisfactorily on a required state assessment in any subject, the district will provide accelerated instruction for the student in the subsequent school year by: • Assigning the student to a teacher who is certified as a master, exemplary, or recognized teacher if one is available in the grade and subject matter of the state assessment on which the student did not perform satisfactorily, or • Providing supplemental instruction. A student may be required to attend any assigned supplemental instruction program before or after school or during the summer. When a student fails to perform satisfactorily on a required state assessment in the same subject area for two or more years, the district shall develop an accelerated education plan. Parents are encouraged to participate in developing this plan. SAFETY Student safety on campus, at school-related events, and in district vehicles is a high priority of the district. The cooperation of students is essential to ensuring school safety. A student is expected to: • • • • • • • Avoid conduct that is likely to put the student or others at risk. Follow all behavioral standards in this handbook and the Student Code of Conduct or set by district employees. Help secure the campus by keeping all exterior doors closed, latched, and locked unless the door is actively monitored by a district employee. Follow instructions from teachers and other district employees regarding classroom doors. Remain alert to any safety hazards, such as intruders on campus or threats made by any person toward a student or staff member, and promptly report any incidents to a district employee. A student may make anonymous reports about safety concerns. Know emergency evacuation routes and signals. Follow immediately the instructions of teachers, bus drivers, and other district employees who are overseeing the welfare of students. Accident Insurance Soon after the school year begins, parents will have the opportunity to purchase low-cost accident insurance that would help meet medical expenses in the event of injury to their child. Preparedness Drills: Evacuation, Severe Weather, and Other Emergencies Periodically, the school will conduct preparedness drills of emergency procedures. When the command is given students need to follow the direction of teachers or others in charge quickly, quietly, and in an orderly manner. 78 Preparedness Training: CPR and Stop the Bleed The district will offer instruction in CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) at least once to students enrolled in grades 7-12. The instruction can be provided as a part of any course and is not required to result in CPR or AED certification. The district will annually offer students in grades 7-12 instruction on the use of bleeding control stations to respond to traumatic injury. For more information see Homeland Security’s Stop the Bleed and Stop the Bleed Texas. Emergency Medical Treatment and Information All parents are asked each year to complete a medical care authorization form, providing written parental consent to obtain emergency treatment, and information about allergies to medications or drugs. Parents should contact the school nurse to update emergency care information (name of doctor, emergency phone numbers, allergies, etc.). The district may consent to medical treatment, including dental treatment, if necessary, for a student if: • • • The district has received written authorization from a person having the right to consent; That person cannot be contacted; and That person has not given the district actual notice to the contrary. The emergency care authorization form will be used by the district when a student’s parent or authorized designee cannot be contacted. A student may provide consent if authorized by law or court order. Regardless of parental authorization for the district to consent to medical treatment, district employees will contact emergency medical services to provide care when required by law or when deemed necessary, such as to avoid a life-threatening situation. Emergency School-Closing Information Each year, parents are asked to complete an emergency release form to provide contact information in the event that the district needs to notify parents of early dismissal, delayed opening, or restricted access to a campus because of severe weather, a security threat or another emergency cause. The district will rely on contact information on file with the district to communicate with parents in an emergency situation, which may include real-time or automated messages. It is crucial to notify your child’s school when a phone number changes. State law requires parents to update contact information within two weeks after the date the information changes. If the campus must close, delay opening, or restrict access to the building because of an emergency, the district will also alert the community via local radio and television stations as well as mass notification. Any decision to cancel or start a school day late will be made by 6:00 a.m. The decision to close school will be made by administration after numerous school personnel have driven our roads thoroughly, and the safety of our students and staff has been considered. On bad weather days, busses may occasionally run later than usual due to poor road conditions. Parents are asked not 79 to contact the school, but instead refer to local radio and television stations for up to date information. Additionally, parents can access the district’s web page at llanoisd.org. [See Parent Contact Information and Automated Emergency Communications.] SAT, ACT, AND OTHER STANDARDIZED TESTS [See Standardized Testing] SCHOOL FACILITIES Asbestos Management Plan The district works diligently to maintain compliance with federal and state law governing asbestos in school buildings. A copy of the district’s asbestos management plan is available in the central administrative office. If you have any questions or would like to examine the district’s plan in more detail, please contact the: District Maintenance Coordinator at (325)248-2276. Food and Nutrition Services The district participates in the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program and offers students nutritionally balanced meals daily in accordance with standards set forth in state and federal law. Some students are eligible for free and reduced-price meals are based on financial need. Information about a student’s participation is confidential. The district may share information such as a student’s name and eligibility status to help enroll eligible children in Medicaid or the state children’s health insurance program (CHIP) unless the student’s parent requests the student’s information not be disclosed. Participating students will be offered the same meal options as their peers and will not be treated differently from their peers. To apply for free or reduced-price meal services, contact: Nutrition Services, 325-248-2263. [See policy CO for more information.] Students will not be allowed to leave campus for lunch unless accompanied by a parent or authorized person. Only immediate family or authorized individuals will be allowed to eat with a student in the cafeteria. There is a designated table for visitors in the cafeteria. Charging Policy for Student Meals Students are permitted to charge lunch and breakfast meals when their meal account has been exhausted. Students will be able to continue to purchase up to three meals or up to a total of $9. Once they have $9.00 in meal charges they will be provided a sandwich, fruit and milk. Students will receive a sandwich, fruit and milk at no charge. Student and parents will be notified of low 80 balances. Parents or students may register at www.schoolcafe.com to monitor and set low meal balance reminders. · No á la carte items may be charged. · All negative balances must be paid by the last day of school. The following information is published as required by the USDA for participation in the National School Lunch Program: “In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating of the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. “Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. “To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: 1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington D.C. 20250-9410; or 2. Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or 3. email: Program.Intake@usda.gov “This institution is an equal opportunity provider.” 81 The responsible state agency that administers the program is the Texas Department of Agriculture (https://www.texasagriculture.gov/Home/Contact-Us), which can be reached at (800) TELL-TDA (835-5832) or (800) 735-2989 (TTY). The local agency that administers the program is the district. See Nondiscrimination Statement for the name and contact information for the Title IX coordinator, ADA/Section 504 coordinator, and superintendent for other concerns about discrimination. Vending Machines The district has adopted and implemented the state and federal policies for food service, including guidelines to restrict student access to vending machines. For more information regarding these policies and guidelines see the Child Nutrition Director, 325-248-2263. [See policy FFA for more information.] Pest Management Plan The district is required to follow integrated pest management (IPM) procedures to control pests on school grounds. Although the district strives to use the safest and most effective methods to manage pests, including a variety of non-chemical control measures, periodic indoor and outdoor pesticide use is sometimes necessary to ensure a safe, pest-free school environment. All pesticides used are registered for their intended use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and are applied only by certified pesticide applicators. Except in an emergency, signs will be posted 48 hours before indoor application. All outdoor applications will be posted at the time of treatment, and signs will remain until it is safe to enter the area. Parents who have questions or who want to be notified of the times and types of applications prior to pesticide application inside their child’s school assignment area may contact; District IPM Coordinator at (325)248-2276. Conduct Before and After School Teachers and administrators have full authority over student conduct at before- or after-school activities. Whether a school activity is on or off district premises, students must follow the same rules of conduct that apply during the instructional day. Misbehavior will be subject to consequences established by the Student Code of Conduct, or any stricter standards of behavior established by the sponsor for extracurricular participants. Library The high school library is open for student use from 7:30 am – 4:00 pm. If a student is not coming with a class, he/she must have a pass to enter the library. CHECKING OUT REGULATIONS • Books may be checked out for a three-week period. • Students may check out no more than two books at any one time. • Reserve books, reference books, and magazines are checked out for one day. • Library obligations-Fines/over-dues must be cleared before checking out additional materials. 82 FINES • A fee of 5 cents per day is charged for over-due books, excluding weekends and holidays. If absence from school is the cause of an over-due book, the student must bring his/her absentee admittance slip to the circulation desk to have the fine removed. • If a book is overdue for more than 30 days, a maximum fine of $1.50 will be charged. • Failure to clear library obligations (fine, overdue book) will result in suspension of library privileges. LOST BOOKS • The price of the book plus a district-processing fee of $1.00 will be charged for a lost book • If the book is found and returned within one year, the student will receive a refund. The district processing fee ($1.00) and the assessed fine will be subtracted from the refund. COMPUTER USE • Priority for computer use is given to students who are working on schoolwork. • Responsible computer use is required. • Inappropriate use will result in loss of computer privileges. • Costs for printer use will be 5 cents per page. COPY MACHINE • Copy machines are available for staff and student use. • Library staff will make copies. • There is a charge for color copies of .25 cents per page Use of Hallways During Class Time During class times, loitering or standing in the halls and a student must have a hall pass to be outside the classroom for any purpose. Failure to obtain a pass will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Use by Students Before and After School Certain areas of the school will be accessible to students before and after school for specific purposes. Students are required to remain in the area where their activity is scheduled to take place. The following areas are open to students before school, beginning at 7:20 a.m. • Cafeteria, outside cafeteria, Library Unless the teacher or sponsor overseeing the activity gives permission, a student will not be permitted to go to another area of the building or campus. Students must leave campus immediately after dismissal of school in the afternoon, unless a student is involved in an activity under the supervision of a teacher or other authorized employee or adult. School Day Interruptions Classes will not be interrupted to deliver items and/or messages unrelated to school. Items, lunches, etc. may be left in the front office. Upon notification. Students can retrieve item when not in class. Neither Llano ISD, nor its employees are responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen items left in the front office for students to retrieve. 83 Meetings of Noncurriculum-Related Groups Student-organized, student-led noncurriculum-related groups are permitted to meet during the hours designated by the principal before and after school. These groups must comply with the requirements of policy FNAB(LOCAL). A list of these groups is available in the principal’s office. SCHOOL-SPONSORED FIELD TRIPS The district periodically takes students on field trips for educational purposes. A parent must provide permission for a student to participate in a field trip. The district may ask the parent to provide information about a student’s medical provider and insurance coverage and may also ask the parent to sign a waiver allowing for emergency medical treatment in the case of a student accident or illness during the field trip. The district may require a fee for student participation in a field trip that is not required as part of a basic educational program or course to cover expenses such as transportation, admission, and meals; however, a student will not be denied participation because of financial need. The district is not responsible for refunding fees paid directly to a third-party vendor. SEARCHES Searches in General In the interest of promoting student safety and drug-free schools, district officials may occasionally conduct searches. District officials may conduct searches of students, their belongings, and their vehicles in accordance with law and district policy. Searches of students will be conducted without discrimination, based on, for example, reasonable suspicion, voluntary consent, or pursuant to district policy providing for suspicionless security procedures, including the use of metal detectors. In accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, students are responsible for prohibited items found in their possession, including items in their personal belongings or in vehicles parked on district property. If there is reasonable suspicion to believe that searching a student’s person, belongings, or vehicle will reveal evidence of a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, a district official may conduct a search in accordance with law and district regulations. 84 District Property Desks, lockers, district-provided technology, and similar items are the property of the district and are provided for student use as a matter of convenience. District property is subject to search or inspection at any time without notice. Students have no expectation of privacy in district property. Students are responsible for any item found in district property provided to the student that is prohibited by law, district policy, or the Student Code of Conduct. Metal Detectors To maintain a safe and disciplined learning environment, the district reserves the right to subject students to metal detector searches when entering a district campus and at off-campus, schoolsponsored activities. Telecommunications and Other Electronic Devices Use of district-owned equipment and its network systems is not private and will be monitored by the district. [See policy CQ for more information.] Any searches of personal telecommunications or other personal electronic devices will be conducted in accordance with law, and the device may be confiscated to perform a lawful search. A confiscated device may be turned over to law enforcement to determine whether a crime has been committed. [See Electronic Devices and Technology Resources and policy FNF(LEGAL) for more information.] Trained Dogs The district will use trained dogs to screen for concealed, prohibited items, including drugs and alcohol. Screenings conducted by trained dogs will not be announced in advance. The dogs will not be used with students, but students may be asked to leave personal belongings in an area that is going to be screened, such as a classroom, a locker, or a vehicle. If a dog alerts to an item or an area, it may be searched by district officials. Drug-Testing To be eligible to participate in any school-sponsored activity including but not limited to interscholastic academic, fine art, or athletic programs associated with the district high school, a student must participate in random drug testing throughout the school year in accordance with district policy. Consequences of a confirmed positive test result at any time shall be as follows: • • • • Conference with the student’s parent or guardian upon notification of the confirmed positive result by the Principal. The student will be retested on all test dates for 5 consecutive tests. A positive test during the last six weeks of a school year shall result in a suspension into the following school year. Refusal to participate in a drug test after signing the consent form shall count as a positive test. 85 • In the event a student is included on the random drug testing list and is not in attendance on the days of random testing, student will be required to be drug tested within 7 days. First confirmed positive test result: · The student will receive a 15 calendar day suspension from all extra-curricular activities. Second confirmed positive test result: · The student will receive a 30 calendar day suspension from all extra-curricular activities. Third confirmed positive test result: · The student will receive a suspension from all extracurricular activities for one calendar year from the day of the third positive test result. ***When a student tests positive for the first time at Llano High School, the student will be required to 5 consecutive drug tests as per Llano ISD drug policy. If a student is able to produce 5 negative results consecutively, then the student will be able to remove a strike. [See Steroids.] Vehicles on Campus If a vehicle subject to search is locked, the student will be asked to unlock the vehicle. If the student refuses, the district will contact the student’s parents. If the parents also refuse to permit the vehicle to be searched, the district may turn the matter over to law enforcement. The district may contact law enforcement even if permission to search is granted. SEXUAL HARASSMENT [See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation.] SPECIAL PROGRAMS The district provides special programs for gifted and talented students, students who are homeless, students in foster care, bilingual students, migrant students, English learners, students diagnosed with dyslexia, and students with disabilities. The coordinator of each program can answer questions about eligibility requirements, as well as programs and services offered in the district or by other organizations. A student or parent with questions about these programs should contact the Assistant Superintendent. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission’s Talking Book Program provides audiobooks free of charge to qualifying Texans, including students with visual, physical, or reading disabilities such as dyslexia. STANDARDIZED TESTING SAT/ACT (Scholastic Aptitude Test and American College Test) Many colleges require either the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for admission. These assessments are usually taken at the end of the junior year. Students are encouraged to talk with the school counselor early during their junior year to learn about these assessments and determine the appropriate examination to take. The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) and ACT-Aspire are the corresponding preparatory and readiness assessments for the SAT and ACT. 86 Note: These assessments may qualify a student to receive a performance acknowledgment on his or her transcript under the foundation graduation program and may qualify as a substitute for an end-of-course testing requirement in certain circumstances. A student’s performance at a certain level on the SAT or ACT also makes the student eligible for automatic admission to a Texas public institution of higher education. Testing Information • • • • • • • SCHOOL CODE 444-225 is for test results from ALL tests to be reported to Llano High School. SAT—Llano High School is a school day testing site for the SAT. ACT TESTING SITE—Llano High School is scheduled as a testing site for the ACT. THEA—Texas Higher Education Assessment (must be completed before enrollment in any college courses. www.thea.nesinc.com ACT—National college admission examination consisting of 4 content areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning (215 multiple-choice questions). www.actstudent.org SAT—Scholastic Aptitude Test consists of Verbal and Math. www.collegeboard.com PSAT/NMSQT—Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test—October testing date. www.collegeboard.com TSI (Texas Success Initiative) Assessment Prior to enrollment in a Texas public college or university, most students must take a standardized test called the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment. The TSI assesses the reading, mathematics, and writing skills that first-year students need to perform effectively in undergraduates in Texas public colleges and universities. This assessment may be required before a student enrolls in a dual credit course offered through the district. Achieving certain benchmark scores on this assessment may also waive certain end-of-course assessment requirements in limited circumstances. STUDENT SPEAKERS The district provides students the opportunity to introduce some school events. Student eligibility to introduce an event will be approved by the principal. [See Graduation for information related to student speech at graduation ceremonies and policy FNA(LOCAL) regarding other speaking opportunities.] SUMMER SCHOOL The district will communicate summer school guidelines in May of each year. Students may obtain the summer school schedule, course offerings, cost, and other appropriate information from the high school office. Students may also access the Texas Virtual School Network. 87 TARDIES It is educationally important for students to be on time for class, the campus expectation is that students are in class before the tardy bell rings. Repeated instances of unexcused tardiness will result in disciplinary actions, in accordance with school policy and the Student Code of Conduct. TEXTBOOKS, ELECTRONIC TEXTBOOKS, TECHNOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS Instructional materials are any resources used in classroom instruction as part of the required curriculum, such as textbooks, workbooks, computer software, or online services. The district selects instructional materials in accordance with state law and policy EFA. The district provides approved instructional materials to students free of charge for each subject or class. Students must treat instructional materials with care, as directed by the teacher. A student who is issued a damaged item should report the damage to the teacher. Any student who does not return an item or returns an item in unacceptable condition loses the right to free textbooks and technological equipment until the item is returned or the damage is paid for by the parent. However, the student will be provided with the necessary instructional resources and equipment for use at school during the school day. For information on library books and other resources students may access voluntarily, see Library. TRANSFERS In school The principal is authorized to transfer a student from one classroom to another. The superintendent is authorized to investigate and approve transfers between schools. [See Safety Transfers/Assignments, Bullying, and A Student Who Has Learning Difficulties or Who Needs Special Education or Section 504 Services, for other transfer options.] Out of District Campus administration will review all requests on an individual basis for admission to Llano High School. Data required for consideration will include, but is not limited to, attendance, discipline history, grades, and test scores. Transfer request forms and other documentation must be submitted before May 15 of the preceding school year. Transfer students are ineligible for district provided transportation, credit-by-exam, and enrollment in courses that are not provided by LISD. A student who transfers into Llano High School with earned credits shall receive similar credit according to the numerical grade point scale used for credit earned in Llano High School. Letter grades shall be recorded as follows: A+ = 98 A = 95 B+ = 88 B = 85 C+ = 79 C = 77 88 D+ = 74 D = 72 F = 69 A- = 92 B- = 82 C- = 75 D- = 70 [See School Safety Transfers, and Providing Assistance to Students Who Have Learning Difficulties or Who Need or May Need Special Education or Section 504 Services, for other transfer options.] TRANSPORTATION School-Sponsored Trips Students who participate in school-sponsored trips are required to use school-provided transportation to and from the event. However, in accordance with campus procedures, a parent may provide written consent for his or her child to ride with or be released after the event to the parent or another adult designated by the parent. [See School-sponsored Field Trips.] Buses and Other School Vehicles The district makes school bus transportation available to all students living two or more miles from school and to any students who are experiencing homelessness or to any students needing passage over Highway 16 or Highway 71. This service is provided at no cost to students. Bus routes and stops will be designated annually, and any subsequent changes will be posted at the school and on the district’s website. For the safety of the driver and all passengers, students must board district vehicles only at authorized stops and drivers must unload passengers only at authorized stops. A parent may designate a child-care facility or grandparent’s residence as the regular pickup and drop-off location for his or her student. The designated location must be an approved stop on an approved route. For information on bus routes and stops or to designate an alternate pickup or drop-off location, you may contact the LISD Transportation Director, 325-247-5347. Students are expected to assist district staff in ensuring that buses and other district vehicles are clean and safe. When riding in district vehicles, students are held to behavioral standards established in this handbook and the Student Code of Conduct. Students must: • • • • • • • • • • • Follow the driver’s directions at all times. Enter and leave the vehicle in an orderly manner at the designated stop. Keep feet, books, instrument cases, and other objects out of the aisle. Not deface the vehicle or its equipment. Not put head, hands, arms, or legs out of the window, hold any object out of the window, or throw objects within or out of the vehicle. Not possess or use any form of tobacco or e-cigarettes in any district vehicle. Observe all usual classroom rules. Be seated while the vehicle is moving. Fasten their seat belts, if available. Wait for the driver’s signal upon leaving the vehicle and before crossing in front of the vehicle. Follow any other rules established by the operator of the vehicle. 89 Misconduct will be punished in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, including loss of the privilege to ride in a district vehicle. [See the Student Code of Conduct for provisions regarding transportation to the DAEP.] Private Automobiles Driving a vehicle to Llano High School is a privilege that our school extends to all qualified students. This privilege which the students enjoy may be denied if the student does not adhere to the following parking and driving guidelines: • Students will use the parking lot in the front of the high school building. • Each student is expected to practice safe and courteous driving habits. • Students who drive vehicles to school will park, lock and leave the vehicle immediately upon arrival at school. Students are not to sit in parked cars or loiter in the parking areas. • School officials have the authority to search, without the owner’s permission, any vehicle parked on the campus at any time. • Reckless driving and loud vehicles will be reported to the police. Students will not be permitted to: • Park in areas not designated as student parking. • Speed in any district parking lot. • Double park or park across white or yellow lines. • Park in a fire lane. • Park on the north side of the building, by the athletic offices or the Vocational Ag Shop unless provided approval with special parking tag from LHS Administration. For violation of these regulations, students may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and cars may be towed or booted at the owner’s expense. Parking privileges may be revoked for violations of the guidelines stated above and unsafe driving practices. Parking and Parking Permits A student must present a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance to be eligible for a parking permit. Students must request a parking permit and pay a fee to park in a school parking lot. So long as space is available, parking permits may be issued throughout the year. 90 Applications for permits must be obtained within the first ten (10) school days. Students that will begin driving to school after the first day of school must apply for a parking permit before parking on campus. If a student drives a vehicle that does not have a parking permit they shall inform the office. Parking permits must be visible or vehicle is subject to be towed. A temporary visitor pass may be obtained in extenuating circumstances from the front office for parents and visitors. Students will not be permitted to: • • • • • Speed. Double-park. Park across a white or yellow line. Park in a fire lane. Sit in parked cars during school hours. Students may be subject to disciplinary action for violation of these rules. The district may tow cars that are parked in violation of these rules. VANDALISM Littering, defacing, or damaging school property is not tolerated. Students will be required to pay for damages they cause and will be subject to criminal proceedings as well as disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. VIDEO CAMERAS For safety purposes, the district uses video and audio recording equipment to monitor student behavior, including on buses and in common areas on campus. Students will not be told when the equipment is being used. The principal will review the video and audio recordings as needed and document student misconduct. Discipline will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. In accordance with state law, a parent of a student who receives special education services, a staff member (as this term is defined by law), a principal or assistant principal, or the board may make a written request for the district to place video and audio recording equipment in certain self-contained special education classrooms. The district will provide notice before placing a video camera in a classroom or other setting in which your child receives special education services. For more information or to request the installation and operation of this equipment, contact the principal or assistant superintendent, that the district has designated to coordinate the implementation of and compliance with this law. [See EHBAF (LOCAL) for more information.] [See Consent to Video of Audio Record a Student when Not Already Permitted by Law for video and other recording by parents or visitors to virtual or in-person classrooms.] 91 VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL General Visitors Parents and others are welcome to visit district schools. For the safety of those within the school and to avoid disruption of instructional time, all visitors must: • Request entry to the school at the primary entrance unless otherwise directed by a district employee. • Report to the main office. • Be prepared to show identification. • Exit the school at the primary entrance and leave all exterior doors closed, latched, and locked unless actively monitored by a district employee. • Comply with all applicable district policies and procedures. If requested by a district employee, a visitor must provide identification such as a driver’s license, other picture identification issued by a government entity, or employee or student identification issued by the district. A person who refuses to provide identification and who reasonably appears to have no legitimate reason to be on district property may be ejected from district property. Individuals may visit classrooms during instructional time only with approval of the principal and teacher. Visitors may not interfere with instruction or disrupt the normal school environment. Students will not be allowed to bring student visitors on the campus during the school day. Immediate family members will be the only persons allowed to eat with a student at the designated table in the cafeteria. All visitors are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of courtesy and conduct. Disruptive behavior or violations of student privacy will not be permitted. [See Consent to Video of Audio Record a Student when Not Already Permitted by Law for video and other recording by parents or visitors to virtual or in-person classrooms.] Unauthorized Persons In accordance with Education Code 37.105, a school administrator, school resource officer (SRO), or district police officer has the authority to refuse entry or eject a person from district property if the person refuses to leave peaceably on request and: • • The person poses a substantial risk of harm to any person; or The person behaves in a manner that is inappropriate for a school setting and persists in the behavior after being given a verbal warning that the behavior is inappropriate and may result in refusal of entry or ejection. Appeals regarding refusal of entry or ejection from district property may be filed in accordance with policies FNG(LOCAL) or GF(LOCAL). [See the Student Code of Conduct.] 92 Visitors Participating in Special Programs for Students Business, Civic, and Youth Groups The district may invite representatives from patriotic societies listed in Title 36 of the United States Code to present information to interested students about membership in the society. Career Day On High School Career Day, the district invites representatives from colleges and universities and other higher education institutions, prospective employers, and military recruiters to present information to interested students. VOLUNTEERS The district invites and appreciates the efforts of volunteers who are willing to serve our district and students. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the assistant superintendent for more information and to complete an application. The district does not require state criminal history background checks for volunteers who are parents, guardians, or grandparents of a child enrolled in the district. Subject to exceptions in accordance with state law and district procedures, other volunteers will be subject to a state criminal history background check, and the volunteer must pay all costs for the background check. VOTER REGISTRATION A student who is eligible to vote in any local, state, or federal election may obtain a voter registration application at the main campus office. WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL To withdraw a student under age 18 from school, the parent or guardian must submit a written request to the principal specifying the reasons for withdrawal and the final day the student will be in attendance. Withdrawal forms are available from the principal’s office. A student who is 18 or older, who is married, or who has been declared by a court to be an emancipated minor may withdraw without parental signature. Please provide the school at least three days’ notice of withdrawal so that records and documents may be prepared. CHILD FIND 93 94 95 Glossary Accelerated instruction, including supplemental instruction, is an intensive educational program designed to help an individual student acquire the knowledge and skills required at his or her grade level. It is required when a student does not meet the passing standard on a statemandated assessment. Accelerated instruction may be provided by assigning a student to a classroom teacher who is certified as a master, exemplary, or recognized teacher or by providing supplemental instruction in addition to regular instruction. ACT, or the American College Test, is one of the two most frequently used college or university admissions examinations. The test may be a requirement for admission to certain colleges or universities. ACT-Aspire is designed as a preparatory and readiness assessment for the ACT. This is usually taken by students in grade 10. ARD stands for admission, review, and dismissal. The ARD committee convenes for each student who is identified as needing a full and individual evaluation for special education services. The eligible student and his or her parents are members of the committee. Attendance review committee is responsible for reviewing a student’s absences when the student’s attendance drops below 90 percent, or in some cases 75 percent, of the days the class is offered. Under guidelines adopted by the board, the committee will determine whether there were extenuating circumstances for the absences and whether the student needs to complete certain conditions to master the course and regain credit or a final grade lost because of absences. CPS stands for Child Protective Services. DAEP stands for disciplinary alternative education program, a placement for students who have violated certain provisions of the Student Code of Conduct. DFPS is the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. DPS stands for the Texas Department of Public Safety. DSHS stands for the Texas Department of State Health Services. ED stands for the U.S. Department of Education. Emergent Bilingual Student refers to a student of limited English proficiency. Other related terms include English learner, English language learner, and limited English proficient student. EOC (end-of-course) assessments are state-mandated and are part of the STAAR program. Successful performance on EOC assessments are required for graduation. These examinations will be given in English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, and U.S. History. ESSA is the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. FERPA refers to the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which grants specific privacy protections to student records. The law contains certain exceptions, such as for directory information, unless a student’s parent or a student 18 or older directs the school not to release directory information. IEP stands for individualized education program and is the written record prepared by the ARD committee for a student with disabilities who is eligible for special education services. 96 IGC is the individual graduation committee, formed in accordance with state law, to determine a student’s eligibility to graduate when the student has failed to demonstrate satisfactory performance on no more than two of the required state assessments. ISS refers to in-school suspension, a disciplinary technique for misconduct found in the Student Code of Conduct. Although different from out-of-school suspension and placement in a DAEP, ISS removes the student from the regular classroom. PGP stands for Personal Graduation Plan, which is required for high school students and for any student in middle school who fails a section on a state-mandated test or is identified by the district as not likely to earn a high school diploma before the fifth school year after he or she begins grade 9. PSAT is the preparatory and readiness assessment for the SAT. It also serves as the basis for the awarding of National Merit Scholarships. SAT refers to the Scholastic Aptitude Test, one of the two most frequently used college or university admissions examinations. The test may be a requirement for admissions to certain colleges or universities. SHAC stands for School Health Advisory Council, a group of at least five members, a majority of whom must be parents, appointed by the school board to help ensure that local community values and health issues are reflected in the district’s health education instruction, as well as assist with other student and employee wellness issues. Section 504 is the federal law that prohibits discrimination against a student with a disability, requiring schools to provide opportunities for equal services, programs, and participation in activities. Unless the student is determined to be eligible for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), general education with appropriate instructional accommodations will be provided. STAAR is the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, the state’s system of standardized academic achievement assessments. STAAR Alternate 2 is an alternative state-mandated assessment designed for students with severe cognitive disabilities receiving special education services who meet the participation requirements, as determined by the student’s ARD committee. STAAR Spanish is an alternative state-mandated assessment administered to eligible students for whom a Spanish version of STAAR is the most appropriate measure of their academic progress. State-mandated assessments are required of students at certain grade levels and in specified subjects. Except under certain circumstances, students must perform successfully on some statemandated assessments to be promoted and students must pass the STARR EOC assessments to graduate. Students have multiple opportunities to take the tests, if necessary, for promotion or graduation. Student Code of Conduct is developed with the advice of the district-level committee and adopted by the board and identifies the circumstances, consistent with law, when a student may be removed from a classroom, campus, or district vehicle; sets out the conditions that authorize or require the principal or another administrator to place the student in a DAEP; and outlines 97 conditions for out-of-school suspension and for expulsion. The Student Code of Conduct also addresses notice to the parent regarding a student’s violation of one of its provisions. TAC stands for the Texas Administrative Code. TEA stands for the Texas Education Agency, which oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas. TELPAS stands for the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System, which assesses the progress that emergent bilingual students make in learning the English language and is administered for those who meet the participation requirements in kindergarten–grade 12. TSI stand for the Texas Success Initiative, an assessment designed to measure the reading, mathematics, and writing skills that entering college-level freshmen students should have if they are to be successful in undergraduate programs in Texas public colleges and universities. TXVSN stands for the Texas Virtual School Network, which provides online courses for Texas students to supplement the instructional programs of public school districts. Courses are taught by qualified instructors and are equivalent in rigor and scope to a course taught in a traditional classroom setting. UIL refers to the University Interscholastic League, the statewide voluntary nonprofit organization that oversees educational extracurricular academic, athletic, and music contests. Appendix: Freedom from Bullying Policy Note: School board policies may be revised at any time. For legal context and the most current copy of the local policy, visit FFI (LOCAL). Below is the text of Llano ISD’s policy FFI (LOCAL) as of the date this handbook was finalized for this school year. Student Welfare: Freedom from Bullying Note: This policy addresses bullying of District students. For purposes of this policy, the term bullying includes cyberbullying. For provisions regarding discrimination and harassment involving District students, see FFH. Note that FFI shall be used in conjunction with FFH for certain prohibited conduct. For reporting requirements related to child abuse and neglect, see FFG. Bullying Prohibited The District prohibits bullying, including cyberbullying, as defined by state law. Retaliation against anyone involved in the complaint process is a violation of District policy and is prohibited. Examples 98 Bullying of a student could occur by physical contact or through electronic means and may include hazing, threats, taunting, teasing, confinement, assault, demands for money, destruction of property, theft of valued possessions, name calling, rumor spreading, or ostracism. Retaliation The District prohibits retaliation by a student or District employee against any person who in good faith makes a report of bullying, serves as a witness, or participates in an investigation. Examples Examples of retaliation may include threats, rumor spreading, ostracism, assault, destruction of property, unjustified punishments, or unwarranted grade reductions. Unlawful retaliation does not include petty slights or annoyances. False Claim A student who intentionally makes a false claim, offers false statements, or refuses to cooperate with a District investigation regarding bullying shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Timely Reporting Reports of bullying shall be made as soon as possible after the alleged act or knowledge of the alleged act. A failure to immediately report may impair the District’s ability to investigate and address the prohibited conduct. Reporting Procedures Student Report To obtain assistance and intervention, any student who believes that he or she has experienced bullying or believes that another student has experienced bullying should immediately report the alleged acts to a teacher, school counselor, principal, or other District employee. The Superintendent shall develop procedures allowing a student to anonymously report an alleged incident of bullying. Employee Report Any District employee who suspects or receives notice that a student or group of students has or may have experienced bullying shall immediately notify the principal or designee. Report Format A report may be made orally or in writing. The principal or designee shall reduce any oral reports to written form. Notice of Report When an allegation of bullying is reported, the principal or designee shall notify a parent of the alleged victim on or before the third business day after the incident is reported. The principal or designee shall also notify a parent of the student alleged to have engaged in the conduct within a reasonable amount of time after the incident is reported. Prohibited Conduct The principal or designee shall determine whether the allegations in the report, if proven, would constitute prohibited conduct as defined by policy FFH, including dating violence and 99 harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, or disability. If so, the District shall proceed under policy FFH. If the allegations could constitute both prohibited conduct and bullying, the investigation under FFH shall include a determination on each type of conduct. Investigation of Report The principal or designee shall conduct an appropriate investigation based on the allegations in the report. The principal or designee shall promptly take interim action calculated to prevent bullying during the course of an investigation, if appropriate. Concluding the Investigation Absent extenuating circumstances, the investigation should be completed within ten District business days from the date of the initial report alleging bullying; however, the principal or designee shall take additional time if necessary to complete a thorough investigation. The principal or designee shall prepare a final, written report of the investigation. The report shall include a determination of whether bullying occurred, and if so, whether the victim used reasonable self-defense. A copy of the report shall be sent to the Superintendent or designee. Notice to Parents If an incident of bullying is confirmed, the principal or designee shall promptly notify the parents of the victim and of the student who engaged in bullying. District Action Bullying If the results of an investigation indicate that bullying occurred, the District shall promptly respond by taking appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the District’s Student Code of Conduct and may take corrective action reasonably calculated to address the conduct. The District may notify law enforcement in certain circumstances. Discipline A student who is a victim of bullying and who used reasonable self-defense in response to the bullying shall not be subject to disciplinary action. The discipline of a student with a disability is subject to applicable state and federal law in addition to the Student Code of Conduct. Corrective Action Examples of corrective action may include a training program for the individuals involved in the complaint, a comprehensive education program for the school community, follow-up inquiries to determine whether any new incidents or any instances of retaliation have occurred, involving parents and students in efforts to identify problems and improve the school climate, increasing staff monitoring of areas where bullying has occurred, and reaffirming the District’s policy against bullying. Transfers The principal or designee shall refer to FDB for transfer provisions. Counseling 100 The principal or designee shall notify the victim, the student who engaged in bullying, and any students who witnessed the bullying of available counseling options. Improper Conduct If the investigation reveals improper conduct that did not rise to the level of prohibited conduct or bullying, the District may take action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct or any other appropriate corrective action. Confidentiality To the greatest extent possible, the District shall respect the privacy of the complainant, persons against whom a report is filed, and witnesses. Limited disclosures may be necessary in order to conduct a thorough investigation. Appeal A student who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation may appeal through FNG(LOCAL), beginning at the appropriate level. Records Retention Retention of records shall be in accordance with CPC(LOCAL). Access to Policy and Procedures This policy and any accompanying procedures shall be distributed annually in the employee and student handbooks. Copies of the policy and procedures shall be posted on the District’s website, to the extent practicable, and shall be readily available at each campus and the District’s administrative offices. 101